Interactive video based games using objects sensed by TV cameras

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for interactive TV camera based games in which position or orientation of points on a player or of an object held by a player are determined and used to control a video display. Both single camera and stereo camera pair based embodiments are disclosed, preferably using stereo photogrammetry where multi-degree of freedom information is desired. Large video displays, preferably life-size may be used where utmost realism of the game experience is desired.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/267,044, filed Oct. 6, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,614,668), which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/941,304, filed Nov.8, 2010 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,068,095), which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/186,898, filed Jul. 22, 2005 (now U.S.Pat. No. 7,843,429), which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/138,339, filed Aug. 21, 1998 (now abandoned) which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/059,561, filed Sep.19, 1997, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/056,639, filed Aug.22, 1997. The disclosures of the above patent applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

Other applications (by inventor Tim Pryor) incorporated by referenceherein:

Man Machine Interfaces, filed Sep. 18, 1992, Ser. No. 08/290,516, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,008,800;

Touch TV and other Man Machine Interfaces, filed Jun. 29, 1995, Ser. No.08/496,908, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,352;

Systems for Occupant Position Sensing, Ser. No. 08/968,114, filed Nov.12, 1997, now abandoned; and

Vision Target based assembly: U.S. Ser. No. 08/469,429, filed Jun. 6,1995, now abandoned; Ser. No. 08/469,907, filed Jun. 6, 1995 and nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,301,763; Ser. No. 08/470,325, filed Jun. 6, 1995, andnow abandoned; and Ser. No. 08/466,294, filed Jun. 6, 1995, nowabandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to simple input devices for computers, well suitedfor use with 3-D graphically intensive activities, and operating byoptically sensing object or human positions and/or orientations. Theinvention in many preferred embodiments, uses real time stereophotogrammetry using single or multiple TV cameras whose output isanalyzed and used as input to a personal computer.

2. Description of Related Art

The closest known references to the stereo photogrammetric imaging ofdatum's employed by several preferred embodiments of the invention arethought to exist in the fields of flight simulation, robotics, animationand biomechanical studies. Some early prior art references in thesefields are: Pugh U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,676; Birk U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,924;Pinckney U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,847; U.S. Pat. No. 4,672,564 by Egli et al,filed Nov. 15, 1984; Pryor U.S. Pat. No. 5,506,682, robot vision usingtargets; Pryor, Method for Automatically Handling, Assembling & Workingon Objects U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,949; and Pryor, U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,591,Vision target based assembly.

In what is called “virtual reality”, a number of other devices haveappeared for human instruction to a computer. Examples are headtrackers, magnetic pickups on the human and the like, which have theircounterpart in the invention herein.

References from this field having similar goals to some aspects of theinvention herein are: U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,061 by Dementhon et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 5,388,059 also by Dementhon, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,531:Real-time recognition of pointing information from video, by Sigel; U.S.Pat. No. 5,617,312: Computer system that enters control information bymeans of video camera by Iura et al., filed Nov. 18, 1994; U.S. Pat. No.5,616,078: Motion-controlled video entertainment system, by Oh; Ketsu;U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,469: Hand gesture machine control system, by Feeman,et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,043: Dynamic and static hand gesturerecognition through low-level image analysis by Freeman; U.S. Pat. No.5,581,276: 3D human interface apparatus using motion recognition basedon dynamic image processing, by Cipolla et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,568:Real time perception of and response to the actions of an unencumberedparticipant/user by Krueger, et al.

Iura and Sigel disclose means for using a video camera to look at aoperators body or finger and input control information to a computer.Their disclosure is generally limited to two dimensional inputs in an XYplane, such as would be traveled by a mouse used conventionally.

Dementhion discloses the use objects equipped with 4 LEDs detected witha single video camera to provide a 6 degree of freedom solution ofobject position and orientation. He downplays the use of retroreflectortargets for this task.

Cipolla et al discusses processing and recognition of movement sequencegesture inputs detected with a single video camera whereby objects orparts of humans equipped with four reflective targets or LEDs are movedthrough space, and a sequence of images of the objects taken andprocessed. The targets can be colored to aid discrimination.

Pryor, one of the inventors, in several previous applications hasdescribed single and dual (stereo) camera systems utilizing naturalfeatures of objects or special targets including retroreflectors fordetermination of position and orientation of objects in real timesuitable for computer input, in up to 6 degrees of freedom.

Pinckney has described a single camera method for using and detecting 4reflective targets to determine position and orientation of an object in6 degrees of freedom. A paper by Dr. H. F. L. Pinckney entitled Theoryand Development of an on line 30 Hz video photogrammetry system forreal-time 3 dimensional control presented at the Symposium of CommissionV Photogrammetry for Industry, Stockholm, August 1978, together withmany of the references referred to therein gives many of the underlyingequations of solution of photogrammetry particularly with a singlecamera. Another reference relating to use of two or more cameras, isDevelopment of Stereo Vision for Industrial Inspection, Dr. S. F.El-Hakim, Proceedings of the Instrument Society of America (ISA)Symposium, Calgary Alta, Apr. 3-5, 1989. This paper too has severaluseful references to the photogrammetry art.

Generally speaking, while several prior art references have providedpieces of the puzzle, none has disclosed a workable system capable ofwidespread use, the variety and scope of embodiments herein, nor thebreath and novelty of applications made possible with electro-opticaldetermination of object position and/or orientation.

In this invention, many embodiments may operate with natural features,colored targets, self-illuminated targets such as LEDs, or withretroreflective targets. Generally the latter two give the best resultsfrom the point of view of speed and reliability of detection—of majorimportance to widespread dissemination of the technology.

However, of these two, only the retroreflector is both low cost, andtotally unobtrusive to the user. Despite certain problems using same, itis the preferred type of target for general use, at least for detectionin more than 3 degrees of freedom. Even in only two degrees, wherestandard “blob” type image processing might reasonably be used to findones finger for example, (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,531 by Sigel), use ofsimple glass bead based, or molded plastic corner cube basedretroreflectors allows much higher frequency response (e.g. 30 Hz, 60Hz, or even higher detection rates) from the multiple incidence anglesneeded in normal environments, also with lower cost computers under awider variety of conditions—and is more reliable as well. (at least withtoday's PC processing power).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Numerous 3D input apparatus exist today. As direct computer input forscreen manipulation, the most common is the “Mouse” that is manipulatedin x and y, and through various artifices in the computer programdriving the display, provides some control in z-axis. In 3 dimensions(3-D) however, this is indirect, time consuming, artificial, andrequires considerable training to do well. Similar comments relate tojoysticks, which in their original function were designed for input oftwo angles.

In the computer game world as well; the mouse, joy stick and other 2Ddevices prevail today.

The disclosed invention is optically based, and generally usesunobtrusive specialized datum's on, or incorporated within, an objectwhose 3D position and/or orientation is desired to be inputted to acomputer. Typically such datums are viewed with a single TV camera, ortwo TV cameras forming a stereo pair. A preferred location for thecamera(s) is proximate the computer display, looking outward therefrom,or to the top or side of the human work or play space.

While many aspects of the invention can be used without specializeddatum's (e.g. a retro-reflective tape on ones finger, versus use of thenatural finger image itself), these specialized datum's have been foundto work more reliably, and at lowest cost using technology which can becapable of wide dissemination in the next few years. This is veryimportant commercially. Even where only two-dimensional position isdesired, such as x, y location of a finger tip, this is still the case.

For degrees of freedom beyond 3, we feel such specialized datum basedtechnology is the only practical method today. Retroreflective glassbead tape, or beading, such as composed of Scotchlite 7615 by 3M co.,provides a point, line, or other desirably shaped datum which can beeasily attached to any object desired, and which has high brightness andcontrast to surroundings such as parts of a human, clothes, a room etc,when illuminated with incident light along the optical axis of theviewing optics such as that of a TV camera. This in turn allows camerasto be used in normal environments, and having fast integration timescapable of capturing common motions desired, and allows datums to bedistinguished easily which greatly reduces computer processing time andcost.

Retroreflective or other datums are often distinguished by color orshape as well as brightness. Other target datums suitable can bedistinguished just on color or shape or pattern, but do not have thebrightness advantage offered by the retro. Suitable Retroreflectors canalternatively be glass, plastic or retroreflective glass bead paints,and can be other forms of retroreflectors than beads, such as cornercubes. But the beaded type is most useful. Shapes of datums found to beuseful have been for example dots, rings, lines, edge outlines,triangles, and combinations of the foregoing.

It is a goal of this invention to provide a means for data entry thathas the following key attributes among others:

Full 3D (up to 6 degrees of freedom, e.g. x, y, z, roll, pitch, yaw)real time dynamic input using artifacts, aliases, portions of the humanbody, or combinations thereof.

Very low cost, due also to ability to share cost with other computerinput functions such as document reading, picture telephony, etc.

Generic versatility—can be used for many purposes, and saves as well onlearning new and different systems for those purposes.

Unobtrusive to the user.

Fast response, suitable for high speed gaming as well as desk use.

Compatible as input to large screen displays—including wall projections.

Unique ability to create physically real “Alias” or “surrogate” objects.

Unique ability to provide realistic tactile feel of objects in hand oragainst other objects, without adding cost.

A unique ability to enable “Physical” and “Natural” experience. It makesusing computers fun, and allows the very young to participate. And itradically improves the ability to use 3D graphics and CAD systems withlittle or no training.

An ability to aid the old and handicapped in new and useful ways.

An ability to provide meaningful teaching and other experiences capableof reaching wide audiences at low cost.

An ability to give life to a child's imagination through the medium ofknown objects and software, with out requiring high cost toys, andproviding unique learning experiences.

What is also unique about the invention here disclosed is that it unitesall of the worlds above, and more besides, providing the ability to havea common system that serves all purposes well—at lowest possible costand complexity.

The invention has a unique ability to combine what amounts to 3D icons(physical artifacts) with static or dynamic gestures or movementsequences. This opens up, among other things, a whole new way forpeople, particularly children, beginners and those with poor motor orother skills to interact with the computer. By manipulating a set ofsimple tools and objects that have targets appropriately attached, anovice computer user can control complex 2D and 3D computer programswith the expertise of a child playing with toys!

The invention also acts as an important teaching aide, especially forsmall children and the disabled, who have undeveloped motor skills Suchpersons can, with the invention, become computer literate far fasterthan those using conventional input devices such as a mouse. The abilityof the invention to use any desired portion of a human body, or anobject in his command provides a massive capability for control, whichcan be changed at will. In addition, the invention allows one to avoidcarpal tunnel syndrome and other effects of using keyboards and mice.One only needs move through the air so to speak, or with ergonomicallyadvantageous artifacts.

The system can be calibrated for each individual to magnify even thesmallest motion to compensate for handicaps or enhance user comfort orother benefits. (e.g. trying to work in a cramped space on an airplane).If desired, unwanted motions can be filtered or removed using theinvention. (in this case a higher number of camera images than wouldnormally be necessary is typically taken, and effects in some framesaveraged, filtered or removed altogether).

The invention also provides for high resolution of object position andorientation at high speed and at very low or nearly insignificant cost.And it provides for smooth input functions without the jerkiness ofmechanical devices such as a sticking mouse of the conventional variety.

In addition, the invention can be used to aid learning in very youngchildren and infants by relating gestures of hands and other bodilyportions or objects (such as rattles or toys held by the child), tomusic and/or visual experiences via computer generated graphics or realimagery called from a memory such as DVD disks or the like.

The invention is particularly valuable for expanding the value oflife-size, near life size, or at least large screen (e.g. greater than42 inches diagonal) TV displays. Since the projection can now be of thissize at affordable cost, the invention allows an also affordable meansof relating in a lifelike way to the objects on the screen—to play withthem, to modify them, and other wise interrelate using ones naturalactions and the naturally appearing screen size—which can also be in 3Dusing stereo display techniques of whatever desired type.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIGS. 1 a-e illustrate basic sensing useful in practicing the invention,where:

FIG. 1 a illustrates a basic two dimensional embodiment of the inventionutilizing one or more retroreflective datums on an object, furtherincluding means to share function with normal imaging for internetteleconferencing or other activities.

FIG. 1 b illustrates a 3 Dimensional embodiment using single camerastereo with 3 or more datums on an object or wrist of the user.

FIG. 1 c illustrates another version of the embodiment of FIG. 1 a, inwhich two camera “binocular” stereo cameras are used to image anartificial target on the end of a pencil. Additionally illustrated is a2 camera stereo and a line target plus natural hole feature on anobject.

FIG. 1 d illustrates a control flow chart of the invention.

FIG. 1 e is a flow chart of a color target processing embodiment.

FIGS. 2 a-b illustrate Computer aided design system (CAD) relatedembodiments, where:

FIG. 2 a describes a illustrates a first CAD embodiment according to theinvention, and a version for 3-D digitizing and other purposes.

FIG. 2 b describes another Computer Design embodiment with tactilefeedback for “whittling” and other purposes.

FIGS. 3 a-b illustrate additional embodiments where:

FIG. 3 a shows various working virtual objects, and additional aliasobjects according to the invention.

FIG. 3 b shows use of the objects.

FIG. 4 illustrates a car driving game embodiment of the invention, whichin addition illustrates the use of target-based artifacts and simplifiedhead tracking with viewpoint rotation. The car dash is for example aplastic model purchased or constructed to simulate a real car dash, orcan even be a make-believe dash (i.e. in which the dash is made from forexample a board, and the steering wheel from a dish), and the car issimulated in its actions via computer imagery and sounds.

FIGS. 5 a-c illustrate a one or two person airplane or puppet gameaccording to the invention, where:

FIG. 5 a illustrates a targeted plane used in the game.

FIG. 5 b illustrates using the targeted plane of FIG. 5 a and furtherinclude inputs for triggering and scene change via movement sequences orgestures of a player.

FIG. 5 c illustrates a hand puppet game embodiment of the inventionplayed if desired over remote means such as the Internet.

FIG. 6 illustrates other movements such as gripping or touch which canbe sensed by the invention indicating which can be useful as input to acomputer system, for the purpose of signaling that a certain action isoccurring.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart showing further detail as to thecomputer architecture of movement sequences and gestures, and their usein computer instruction via video inputs. Also illustrated are means todetermine position and orientation parameters with minimum informationat any point in time.

FIGS. 8 a-f illustrate embodiments, some of which are a simulationanalog of the design embodiments above, used for Medical or dentalteaching and other applications, where:

FIG. 8 a illustrates a targeted scalpel used by a medical student forsimulated surgery, further including a compressible member forcalculating out of sight tip locations.

FIG. 8 b depicts how several objects can be attached to specializedholders that are then attached to a baseboard to create a single rigid.

FIG. 8 c illustrates a targeted instrument and a targeted body model.

FIGS. 8 d and 8 e illustrates flow charts showing how the objects ofFIG. 8 b could be calibrated.

FIG. 8 f illustrates a flow chart which shows how calibrated objects areutilized.

FIGS. 9 a-c illustrate a means for aiding the movement of persons handswhile using the invention in multiple degree of freedom movement, where:

FIG. 9 a shows use of a joystick for game control.

FIG. 9 b shows use of a floating pad.

FIG. 9 c shows use of a camera for control.

FIG. 10 illustrates a natural manner of computer interaction for aidingthe movement of persons hands while using the invention in multipledegree of freedom movement with ones arms resting on an armrest of achair, car, or the like.

FIG. 11 illustrates coexisting optical sensors for other variablefunctions in addition to image data of scene or targets. A particularillustration of a level vial in a camera field of view illustrates aswell the establishment of a coordinate system reference for the overall3-6 degree of freedom coordinate system of the camera(s).

FIG. 12 illustrates a touch screen employing target inputs from fingersor other objects in contact or virtual contact with the screen, eitherof the conventional CRT variety, an LCD screen, or a projectionscreen—including aerial projection in space. Calibration or otherfunctions via targets projected on the screen is also disclosed.

FIG. 13 illustrates clothes design using preferred embodimentsincorporating finger touch, laser pointing and targeted material.

FIG. 14 illustrates additional applications of alias objects such asthose of FIG. 3, for purposes of planning visualization, building toys,and inputs in general.

FIGS. 15 a-b illustrate a sword play and pistol video game play of theinvention, wherein:

FIG. 15 a illustrates using life size projection screens, with sidemounted stereo camera and head tracking audio system (and/or TVcamera/light source tracker).

FIG. 15 b illustrates a pistol which can be used in the game.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the invention having a mouse and/orkeyboard of the conventional variety combined with a targets of theinvention on the user to give an enhanced capability even to aconventional word processing or spreadsheet, or other program. A uniqueportable computer for use on airplanes and elsewhere is disclosed.

FIG. 17 illustrates a optically sensed keyboard embodiment of theinvention, in this case for a piano.

FIG. 18 illustrates gesture based musical instruments such as violinsand virtual object musical instruments according to the invention,having synthesized tones and, if desired, display sequences.

FIG. 19 illustrates a method for entering data into a CAD system used tosculpt a car body surface.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the invention used for patient orbaby monitoring.

FIG. 21 illustrates a simple embodiment of the invention for toddlersand preschool age children, which is also useful to aid learning in veryyoung children and infants by relating gestures of hands and otherbodily portions or objects such as rattles held by the child, to musicand/or visual experiences.

FIG. 22 illustrates the use of a PSD (position sensitive photodiode)based image sensor rather than, or in conjunction with, a TV camera. Twoversions are shown: a single point device, with retro-reflectiveillumination, or with a battery powered LED source; and a multi-pointdevice with LED sources. A combination of this sensor and a TV camera isalso described, as is an alternative using fiber optic sources.

FIG. 23 illustrates inputs to instrumentation and control systems, forexample those typically encountered in car dashboards to provide addedfunctionality and to provide an aide to drivers, including thehandicapped.

FIG. 24 illustrates means for simple “do it yourself” object creationusing the invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates a game experience with an object represented on adeformable screen.

FIG. 26 illustrates the use of motion blur to determine the presence ofmovement or calculate movement vectors.

FIG. 27 illustrates retro-reflective jewelry and makeup according to theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 a

FIG. 1 a illustrates a simple single camera based embodiment of theinvention. In this case, a user 5, desires to point at an object 6represented electronically on the screen 7 and cause the pointing actionto register in the software contained in computer 8 with respect to thatobject (a virtual object), in order to cause a signal to be generated tothe display 7 to cause the object to activate or allow it to be moved,(e.g. with a subsequent finger motion or otherwise). He accomplishesthis using a single TV camera 10 located typically on top of the screenas shown or alternatively to the side (such as 11) to determine theposition of his fingertip 12 in space, and/or the pointing direction ofhis finger 13.

It has been proposed by Sigel and others to utilize the natural image ofthe finger for this purpose and certain US patents address this in thegroup referenced above. Copending applications by one of the inventors(Tim Pryor) also describe finger related activity.

As disclosed in said co-pending application, it is however, oftendesirable to use retro-reflective material on the finger, disclosedherein as either temporarily attached to the finger as in jewelry orpainted on the finger using retro-reflective coating “nail polish” oradhered to the finger such as with adhesive tape having aretro-reflective coating. Such coatings are typically those ofScotch-lite 7615 and its equivalent that have high specificreflectivity, contrasting well to their surroundings to allow easyidentification. The brightness of the reflection allows dynamic targetacquisition and tracking at lowest cost.

The camera system employed for the purposes of low cost desirable forhome use is typically that used for Internet video conferencing and thelike today. These cameras are CCD's and more recently CMOS, camerashaving low cost (25-100 dollars) yet relatively high pixel counts anddensities. It is considered that within a few years these will bestandard on all computers, for all-intents and purposes, “free” to theapplications here proposed, and interfaced via “fire wire” (IEEE 1394)or USB (universal serial bus).

The use of retroreflective and/or highly distinctive targets (e.g.bright orange triangles) allows reliable acquisition of the target in ageneral scene, and does not restrict the device to pointing on a desktopapplication under controlled lighting as shown in Sigel or others.Active (self luminous) targets such as LEDs also allow such acquisition,but are more costly, cumbersome and obtrusive and generally lesspreferable.

If we consider camera system 10 sitting on top of the screen 7 andlooking at the user or more particularly, the user's hand, in a normalcase of Internet telephony there is a relatively large field of view sothat the user's face can also be seen. This same field of view can beused for this invention but it describes a relatively large volume. Forhigher precision, add-on lenses or zoom lenses on the camera may be usedto increase the resolution.

Or it is possible according to the invention to have a plurality ofcameras, one used for the Internet and the other used for the inputapplication here described. Indeed with the ever dropping prices, theprice of the actual camera including the plastic lens on the CMOS chipis so low, it is possible perhaps even to have multiple cameras withfixed magnifications, each having a separate chip!

These can easily be daisy chained with either fire wire or USB such thatthey can either be selected at will electronically in fact by thedifferent magnifications or pointing directions desired.

Let us now return now to the question of determining location ororientation of a human portion such as typically a hand, or finger—inthis case, a finger. In order to make this invention operate in thelowest possible cost it is desirable that the lighting available be lowcost as well. Indeed if the camera units are shared with telephony usingthe natural lighting of the object, then the cost of specializedlighting required for the retro-reflectors adds cost to the system. Thepower for the lighting, such as LEDs can generally be conveyed over theUSB or 1394 bus however.

The user can also point or signal with an object such as 15 having datum16 on it, such as a retroreflective dot 16 or line target 17.

It is possible to expand the sensing of 2D positions described aboveinto 3, 4, 5 and 6 dimensions. (x,y plus z, pitch, yaw, roll). Twosensing possibilities of the many possible, are described in variousembodiments here in.

1. The first, illustrated in FIGS. 1 a and b is to utilize a singlecamera, but multiple discrete features or other targets on the objectwhich can provide a multidegree of freedom solution. In one example, thetarget spacing on the object is known apriori and entered into thecomputer manually or automatically from software containing data aboutthe object, or can be determined through a taught determining step.

2. The second is a dual camera solution shown in FIGS. 1 c and d thatdoes not require a priori knowledge of targets and in fact can find the3D location of one target by itself, useful for determining fingerpositions for example. For 6-degree freedom of information, at leastthree point, targets are required, although line targets, andcombinations of lines and points can also be used.

FIG. 1 b illustrates a 3-D (3 Dimensional) sensing embodiment usingsingle camera stereo with 3 or more datums on a sensed object, or inanother example, the wrist of the user.

As shown the user holds in his right hand 29, object 30 which has atleast 3 visible datums 32, 33, and 34 which are viewed by TV camera 40whose signal is processed by computer 41 which also controls projectiondisplay 42. TV camera 40 also views 3 other datums 45, 46 and 47, on thewrist 48 of the users left hand, in order to determine its orientationor rough direction of pointing of the left hand 51, or its positionrelative to object 30, or any other data (e.g. relation to the screenposition or other location related to the mounting position of the TVcamera, or to the users head if viewed, or what ever. The position andorientation of the object and hand can be determined from the 3 pointpositions in the camera image using known photogrammetric equations (seePinckney, reference U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,847 and other references inpapers referenced).

Alternatively to the 3 discrete point target, a colored triangulartarget for example can be used in which the intersections of linesfitted to its sides define the target datums, as discussed below.

It is also possible to use the camera 40 to see other things of interestas well. For the direction of pointing of the user at an object 55represented on display 42 is determine for example datum 50 on finger 52of users left hand 51 (whose wrist position and attitude can be alsodetermined).

Alternatively, the finger can be detected just from its general graylevel image, and can be easily identified in relation to the targetedwrist location (especially if the user, as shown, has clenched his otherfingers such that the finger 52 is the only one extended on that hand).

The computer can process the gray level image using known techniques,for example blob and other algorithms packaged with the Matrox brandGenesis image processing board for the PC, and determine the pointingdirection of the finger using the knowledge of the wrist gained from thedatums. This allows the left hand finger 50 to alternatively point at apoint (or touch a point) to be determined on the object 30 held in theright hand as well.

FIG. 1 c

FIG. 1 c illustrates another version of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 a andb, in which two camera “binocular” stereo cameras 60 and 61 processed bycomputer 64 are used to image artificial target (in this case atriangle, see also FIGS. 2 a-b), 65, on the end of pencil 66, andoptionally to improve pointing resolution, target 67 on the tip end ofthe pencil, typically a known small distance from the tip. (the user andhis hand holding the pencil is not shown for clarity. This imagingallows one to track the pencil tip position in order to determine whereon the paper (or TV screen, in the case of a touch screen) the pencil iscontacting. (see also FIGS. 2 a-b, and FIG. 12).

For best results it is often desirable to have independentlycontrollable near coaxial light sources 62 and 63 are shown controlledby computer 64 to provide illumination of retroreflective targets foreach camera independently. This is because at different approach anglesthe retroreflector reflects differently, and since the cameras are oftenangularly spaced (e.g. by non-zero angle A), they do not see a targetthe same.

Numerous other camera arrangements, processing, computation, and otherissues are discussed in general relative to accurate determination ofobject positions using two or more camera stereo vision systems in theS. F. El Hakim paper referenced above and the additional referencesreferred to therein.

The computer can also acquire the stereo image of the paper and thetargets in its four corners, 71-74. Solution of the photogrammetricequation allows the position of the paper in space relative to thecameras to be determined, and thence the position of the pencil, andparticularly its tip, to the paper, which is passed to display means 75or another computer program. Even with out the target on the end, thepointing direction can be determined from target 65 and knowing thelength of the pencil the tip position calculated.

A line target 76 can also be useful on the pencil, or a plurality ofline targets spaced circumferentially, can also be of use in definingthe pencil pointing direction from the stereo image pair.

A working volume of the measurement system is shown in dotted lines79—that is the region on and above the desk top in this case where thesensor system can operate effectively. Typically this is more thansatisfactory for the work at hand.

It is noted that the dual (Stereo pair) camera system of FIGS. 1 a-e hasbeen extensively tested and can provide highly accurate position andorientation information in up to 6 degrees of freedom. One particularversion using commercial CCD Black and white cameras and a Matrox“Genesis” frame grabber and image processing board, and suitable stereophotogrammetry software running in an Intel Pentium 300 MHz basedcomputer, has characteristics well suited to input from a large desktopCAD station for example. This provides 30 Hz updates of all 6 axes (x yz roll pitch and yaw) data over a working volume of 0.5 meter.times.0.5meter in x and y (the desktop, where cameras are directly overheadpointing down at the desk) and 0.35 meters in z above the desk, all toan accuracy of 0.1 mm or better, when used with clearly visible roundretroreflective (SCOTCHLITE 7615 based) datums approx. 5-15 mm indiameter on an object for example. This is accurate enough for precisiontasks such as designing objects in 3D cad systems, a major goal of theinvention.

The cameras in this example are mounted overhead. If mounted to the sideor front, or at an angle such as 45 degrees to the desktop, the z axisbecomes the direction outward from the cameras.

FIG. 1 c additionally illustrates 2 camera stereo arrangement, used inthis case to determine the position and orientation of an object havinga line target, and a datum on a portion of the user. Here, cameras 60and 61 are positioned to view a retro-reflective line target 80 in thiscase running part of the length of a toy sword blade 81. The line targetin this case is made as part of the plastic sword, and is formed ofmolded in corner cube reflectors similar to those in a tail lightreflector on a car. It may also made to be one unique color relative tothe rest of the sword, and the combination of the two gives anunmistakable indication.

There are typically no other bright lines in any typical image whenviewed retroreflectively. This also illustrates how target shape (i.e. aline) can be used to discriminate against unwanted other glints andreflections which might comprise a few bright pixels worth in the image.It is noted that a line type of target can be cylindrical in shape ifwrapped around a cylindrical object, which can be viewed then frommultiple angles.

Matching of the two camera images and solution of the photogrammetricequations gives the line target pointing direction. If an additionalpoint is used, such as 82 the full 6 degree of freedom solution of thesword is available. Also shown here is yet another point, 83, whichserves two purposes, in that it allows an improved photogrammetricsolution, and it serves as a redundant target in case 82 cant be seen,due to obscuration, obliteration, or what have you. This data iscalculated in computer 64, and used to modify a display on screen 75 asdesired, and further described in FIGS. 15 a-b. In one embodiment aMatrox genesis frame processor card on an IBM 300 MHz PC was used toread both cameras, and process the information at the camera frame rateof 30 HZ.

Such line targets are very useful on sleeves of clothing, seams ofgloves for pointing, rims of hats, and other decorative and practicalpurposes for example for example outlining the edges of objects orportions thereof, such as holes and openings.

Typically the cameras 60 and 61 have magnifications and fields of viewwhich are equal, and overlap in the volume of measurement desired. Theaxes of the cameras can be parallel, but for operation at ranges of afew meters or less, are often inclined at an acute angle A with respectto each other, so as to increase the overlap of their field ofview—particularly if larger baseline distances d are used for increasedaccuracy (albeit with less z range capability). For example for a caddrawing application, A can be 30-45 degrees, with a base line of 0.5 to1 meter. Where as for a video game such as FIGS. 5 a-c, where z rangecould be 5 meters or more, the angle A and the base line would be less,to allow a larger range of action.

Data Base

The datums on an object can be known a priori relative to other pointson the object, and to other datums, by selling or other wise providingthe object designed with such knowledge to a user and including with ita CD ROM disc or other computer interfacable storage medium having thisdata. Alternatively, the user or someone, can teach the computer systemthis information. This is particularly useful when the datums areapplied by the user on arbitrary objects.

FIG. 1 d

Illustrated here are steps used in the invention relating to detectionof a single point to make a command, in this case, the position (orchange of position, i.e. movement) of a finger tip in FIG. 12 havingretroreflective target attached 1202 detected by stereo pair of TVcameras 1210, using detection algorithm which in its simplest case isbased on thresholding the image to see only the bright target indicationfrom the finger (and optionally, any object associated therewith such asa screen to be touched for example). If this is insufficient tounambiguously defined the datum on the finger, added algorithms may beemployed which are themselves known in the art (many of which arecommonly packaged with image analysis frame grabber boards such as theMatrox Genesis. The processes can include for example:

a brightness detection step relative to surroundings, or to immediatesurroundings (contrast);

a shape detection step, in which a search for a shape is made, such as acircle, ring, triangle, etc.;

a color detection step, where a search for a specific color is made;

a movement step, wherein only target candidates which have moved from alocation in a previous TV image are viewed; and

each step, may process only those passing the previous step, or each maybe performed independently, and the results compared later. The ordersof these steps can be changed but each adds to further identify thevalid indication of the finger target.

Next the position of the targeted finger is determined by comparing thedifference in location of the finger target in the two camera images ofthe stereo pair. There is no matching problem in this case, as a singletarget is used, which appears as only one found point in each image.

After the Image of finger (or other tool) tip is found, its location iscomputed relative to the screen or paper, and this data is inputted tothe computer controlling the display to modify same, for example theposition of a drawing line, an icon, or to determine a vector ofmovement on the screen.

Motion Detection.

The computer 8 can be used to analyze incoming TV image based signalsand determine which points are moving in the image This is helpful toeliminate background data which is stationary, since often times onlymoving items such as a hand or object are of interest. In addition, thedirection of movement is in many cases the answer desired or even thefact that a movement occurred at all.

A simple way to determine this is to subtract an image ofretroreflective targets of high contrast from a first image—and justdetermine which parts are different—essentially representing movement ofthe points. Small changes in lighting or other effects are notregistered. There are clearly more sophisticated algorithms as well.

Motion pre processing is useful when target contrast is not very high,as it allows one to get rid of extraneous regions and concentrate alltarget identification and measurement processing on the real targetitems.

Such processing is also useful when two camera stereo is used, as onlymoving points are considered in image matching—a problem when there arelots of points in the field.

Can it be assumed that the object is moving? The answer is yes if it's agame or many other activities. However there may be a speed of movementof issue. Probably frame to frame is the criteria, in a game, namely 30Hz for a typical camera. However, in some cases movement might bedefined as something much slower—e.g. 3 Hz. for a CAD system input usingdeliberate motion of a designer.

Once the moving datum is identified, then the range can be determinedand if the object is then tracked even if not moving from that pointonward, the range measurement gives a good way to lock onto the objectusing more than just 2 dimensions.

One might actually use an artificial movement of the target if one doesnot naturally exist. This could be done by causing it to vibrate If aone or more LEDs is used as a target, they can be made to blink, whichalso shows up in an image subtraction (image with led on, vs. image withled off). The same is true of a target which changed color, showing upin subtraction of color images.

Image subtraction or other computer processing operations can also beuseful in another sense. One can also subtract background, energizingthe retroreflective illumination light with no retroreflective targetspresent, and then with them. One idea is simply to take a picture of aroom or other work space, and then bring in the targeted object. Thatwould seem pretty simple to subtract or whatever. And the net result isthat any bright features in the space which are not of concern, such asbright door knobs, glasses, etc are eliminated from consideration.

This can also be done with colored targets, doing a color based imagesubtract—especially useful when one knows the desired colors apriori (asone would, or could, via a teach mode).

A flow chart is shown in FIG. 1 d illustrating the steps as follows:

A. Acquire images of stereo pair.

B. Optionally preprocess images to determine if motion is present. Ifso, pass to next step otherwise do not or do anyway (as desired).

C. Threshold images.

D. If light insufficient, change light or other light gatheringparameter such as integration time.

E. Identify target(S).

F. If not identifiable, add other processing steps such as a screen fortarget color, shape, or size.

G. Determine centroid or other characteristic of target point (in thiscase a retro dot on finger).

H. Perform auxiliary matching step if required.

I. Compare location in stereo pair to determine range z and x y locationof target(s).

J. Auxiliary step of determining location of targets on screen if screenposition not known to computer program. Determine via targets on screenhousing or projected on to screen for example.

K. Determine location of target relative to screen.

L. Determine point in display program indicated.

M. Modify display and program as desired.

The simple version of the invention here disclosed answers severalproblems experienced in previous attempts to implement such inputs tocomputers:

1. Computationally intensive.

2. Latency (frequency response, time to get position or orientationanswer).

3. Noise (unreliability caused by ambient electronic, processing, orother conditions).

4. Lighting (unreliability caused by ambient illumination, processing,or other conditions).

5. Initialization.

6. Background problems, where the situation background cannot be staged,as in a cad system input on a desk.

It particularly achieves this simply and at low cost because of thefunction of the retroreflector targets used, which help answer all 6needs above. When combined with color and/or shape detection, the systemcan be highly reliable fast and low cost. In some more controlled cases,having slower movements and more uniform backgrounds for example, retromaterial is not needed.

FIG. 1 e

The following is a multi-degree of freedom image processing descriptionof a triangular shaped color target (disclosed itself in severalembodiments of the invention herein) which can be found optically usingone or more cameras to obtain the 3 dimensional location and orientationof the target using a computer based method described below. It usescolor processing to advantage, as well as a large number of pixels forhighest resolution, and is best for targets that are defined by a largenumber of pixels in the image plane, typically because the target islarge, or the cameras are close to the target, or the camera field iscomposed of a very large number of pixels.

The method is simple but unique in that it can be applied 1) in avariety of degrees to increase the accuracy (albeit at the expense ofspeed), 2) with 1 or more cameras (more cameras increase accuracy), 3)it can utilize the combination of the targets colors and triangles, (1or more) to identify the tool or object. It utilizes the edges of thetriangles to obtain accurate subpixel accuracy. A triangle edge can evenhave a gentle curve and the method will still function well. The methodis based on accurately finding the 3 vertices (F0, G0, F1, G1, F2, G2)of each triangle in the camera field by accurately defining the edgesand then computing the intersection of these edge curves rather thanfinding 3 or 4 points from spot centroids.

The preferred implementation uses 1 or more color cameras to capture atarget composed of a brightly colored right triangle on a rectangle ofdifferent brightly colored background material. The background color andthe triangle color must be two colors that are easily distinguished fromthe rest of the image. For purposes of exposition we will describe thebackground color as a bright orange and the triangle as aqua.

By using the differences between the background color and the trianglecolor, the vertices of the triangle can be found very accurately. Ifthere are more than one triangle on a target, a weighted average oflocation and orientation information can be used to increase accuracy.

The method starts searching for a pixel with the color of the backgroundor of the triangle beginning with the pixel location of the center ofthe triangle from the last frame. Once a pixel with the triangle “aqua”color is found, the program marches in four opposite directions untileach march detects a color change indicative of an edge dividing thetriangle and the “orange” background. Next, the method extends the edgesto define three edge lines of the triangle with a least squares method.The intersection points of the resulting three lines are found, andserve as rough estimates of the triangle vertices. These can serve asinput for applications that don't require high accuracy.

If better accuracy is desired, these provisional lines are then used asa starting point for the subpixel refinement process. Each of these 3lines is checked to see if it is mainly horizontal. If a line is mainlyhorizontal, then a new line will be determined by fitting a best fit ofa curve through the pixel in each column that straddles the provisionalline. If a line is mainly vertical, then the same process proceeds onrows of pixels.

The color of each pixel crossed by a line is translated into acorresponding numeric value. A completely aqua pixel is would receivethe value 0, while a completely orange pixel would receive the value 1.All others colors produce a number between 0 and 1, based on theirrelative amounts of aqua and orange. This numeric value, V, assigned toa pixel is a weighted average of the color components (such as the R, G,B values) of the pixel. If the components of the calibrated aqua are AR,AG, AB and those of orange are OR, OG, OB, and the pixel components arePR, PG, PB, then the numeric value V is:V=WR*CR+WG*CG+WB*CBWith WR, WG, WB being weighting constants between 0 and 1 and CR isdefined as: A flow chart is shown in FIG. 2 a. The same process can beused to define CG and CB.

This value V is compared with the ideal value U which is equal to thepercentage of orangeness calculated assuming the angle of theprovisional line is the same as that of the ideal line. For example, apixel which is crossed by the line in the exact middle would have a U of0.5, since it is 50% aqua and 50% orange. A fit of U-V in the column (orrow) in the vicinity of the crossing of the provisional line gives a newestimate of the location of the true edge crossing. Finally, the set ofthese crossing points can be fit with a line or gentle curve for each ofthe three edges and the 3 vertices can be computed from theintersections of these lines or curves.

We can now use these three accurate vertices in the camera plane (F0,G0, F1, G1, F2, G2) together with lens formula (here we will use thesimple lens formula for brevity) to relate the x and y of the target toF and GF=.lamda.X/Z;G=.lamda.Y/Z.lamda. is the focal length and z is the perpendicular distance from thelens to a location on the target. A triangle on the target is initiallydefined as lying in a plane parallel to the lens plane. The preferredconfiguration has one right triangle whose right angle is defined at x0,y0, z0 with one edge (of length A) extending along the direction of theF axis of the camera and with the other edge (of length B) extendingalong the direction of the G axis of the camera. The actual targetorientation is related to this orientation with the use of Euler Angles.phi., .theta., .psi. Together with the lens equations and the Eulerequations, the 6 derived data values of the 3 vertices (F0, G0, F1, G1,F2, G2) can be used to define 6 values of location and orientation ofthe target. The location and orientation of a point of interest on anytool or object rigidly attached to this target can be easily computedfrom calibration data and ordinary translation and rotationtransformations. Refinements to handle lens distortions can be handledby forming a correction function with calibration data that modifies thelocations of the F and G data.

The Euler formulation is nonlinear. We linearize the equations byassuming initially that the angles have not changed much since the lastvideo frame. Thus we replace .phi. with .phi.(old)+U1., .theta. with.theta.(old)+U2, .psi. with .psi.(old)+U3, and z0 with z0(old)+U4 or:

.phi.=.phi.+U1

.theta.=.theta.+U2

.psi.=.psi.+U3

z0=z0+U4

Substituting these into the Euler equations and applying the lensformulas leads to a matrix equation

SU=R

that can be solved for the U values with a standard methods such asGauss Jordan routine. The angles and z0 can be updated iteratively untilconvergence is achieved. The coefficients of the matrix are defined as:s11=A(cos(.phi.)(F1/.lamda.cos(.psi.)+sin(.psi.))−sin(.psi.)cos(.theta.)(F1/.lamda.sin(.psi.)−cos(.psi.)))s12=A sin(.theta.)cos(.phi.)(F1/.lamda.sin(.psi.)−cos(.psi.)s13=A(sin(.phi.)(F1/.lamda.sin(.psi.)−cos(.psi.))−cos(.psi.)cos(.theta.)(F1/.lamda.cos(.psi.)−sin(.psi.)))s14=(F0−F1)/.lamda.s21=A(G1/.lamda.(−cos(.psi.)*cos(.psi.)+sin(.psi.)sin(.psi.)cos(.theta.))+sin(.theta.)sin(.psi.))s22=A cos(.phi.)(G1/.lamda.sin(.theta.)sin(.psi.)−cos(.theta.))s23=G1/.lamda.A(sin(.psi.)sin(.phi.)−cos(.psi.)cos(.theta.)cos(.phi.))s24=(G0−G1)/.lamda.s31=0s32=−B cos(theta.)(F2/.lamda.sin(.psi.)−cos(.psi.))s33=−B sin(.theta.)(F2/.lamda.cos(.psi.)+sin(.psi.))s34=(F0−F2)/.lamda.s41=0s42=−B(G2/.lamda. sin(.psi.)cos(.theta.)+sin(.theta.))s43=−BG2/.lamda.sin(.theta.)cos(.psi.)s44=(G0−G2)/.lamda.and the right hand side vector is defined as:r1=(F1−F0)z0/.lamda.+A(F1/.lamda.(cos(.psi.)sin(.phi.)+cos(.theta.)cos(.phi.)sin(.psi.))+sin(.psi.)sin(.phi.)−cos(.theta.)cos(.phi.)cos(.psi.))r2=(G1−G0)z0/.lamda.+A(G1/.lamda.(cos(.psi.)sin(.phi.)+cos(.theta.)cos(.phi.)sin(.psi.))+sin(.theta.)cos(.phi.))r3=(F2−F0)z0/.lamda.+B sin(.theta.)(F2/.lamda. sin( )cos(.psi.))r4=(G2−G0)z0/.lamda.+B(G2/.lamda. sin(.theta.)sin(.psi.)−cos(.theta.))

After convergence the remaining parameters x0 and y0 are defined fromthe equations:x0=F0z0/.lamda.Y0=G0z0/.lamda.

The transition of pronounced colors can yield considerably moreinformation than a black white transition, and is useful for the purposeof accurately calculating position and orientation of an object. Ascolor cameras and high capacity processors become inexpensive, the addedinformation provided can be accessed at virtually no added cost. Andvery importantly, in many cases color transitions are more pleasing tolook at for the user than stark black and white. In addition the colorcan be varied within the target to create additional opportunities forstatistically enhancing the resolution with which the target can befound.

Problems in 3 Dimensional Input to Computers

Today, input to a computer for Three Dimensional (3D) information isoften painstakingly done with a 2 Dimensional device such as a mouse orsimilar device. This artifice, both for the human, and for the programand its interaction with the human is un-natural, and CAD designersworking with 3D design systems require many years of experience tomaster the skills needed for efficient design using same.

A similar situation exists with the very popular computer video games,which are becoming ever more 3 Dimensional in content and graphicimagery, but with similar limitations. These games too heretofore havenot been natural for the player(s).

“Virtual reality” too requires 3D inputs for head tracking, movement ofbody parts and the like. This has lead to the development of a furtherarea of sensor capability which has resulted in some solutions which areeither cumbersome for the user, expensive, or both.

The limits of computer input in 3D have also restricted the use ofnatural type situations for teaching, simulation in medicine, and thelike. It further limits young children, older citizens, and disabledpersons from benefiting from computer aided living and work.

Another aspect is digitization of object shapes. There are times thatone would like to take a plastic model or a real world part as astarting point for a 3D design. Prior art devices that capture 3D shapesare however, expensive and cumbersome and cannot, like the invention,share their function for replacement of the mouse or 2D graphic tablet.

We propose one single inexpensive device that can give all of thiscontrol and also act as a drawing pad, or input a 3D sculptured forms oreven allow the user to use real clay that as she sculptures it thecomputer records the new shape.

The invention as here disclosed relates physical activities and physicalobjects directly to computer instructions. A novice user can design ahouse with a collection of targeted model or “toy” doors, windows, wallsetc. By touching the appropriate toy component and then moving androtating the user's hand she can place the component at the appropriateposition. The user can either get his or her visual cue by looking atthe position of the toy on the desk or by watching the correspondingscaled view on the computer display. Many other embodiments are alsopossible.

FIG. 2 a

This figure illustrates an embodiment wherein the invention is used to“work” on an object, as opposed to pointing or otherwise indicatingcommands or actions. It is a computer aided design system (CAD)embodiment according to the invention which illustrates several basicprinciples of optically aided computer inputs using single ordual/multi-camera (Stereo) photogrammetry. Illustrated are new forms ofinputs to effect both the design and simulated assembly of objects.

3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) was one of the first areas to bump upagainst the need for new 3D input and control capability. A mouse or inthe alternative, as 2D graphic tablet, together with software thatdisplays several different views of the design are the current standardmethod. The drawback is that you are forced to move along 2D planesdefined by display views or what are known as construction views of thedesign object.

This situation is especially frustrating when you start creating adesign from scratch. The more sculptured the design, the more difficultthis becomes. The current CAD experience feels more like an astronaut ina space suit with bulky fingertips and limited visibility trying to dodelicate surgery.

A large number of specialized input devices have been designed to handlesome of these problems but have had limited success. Just remember yourown frustrations with the standard mouse. Imagine attempting toprecisely and rapidly define and control complex 3D shapes all day,every day. This limits the usefulness of such design tools to only arelatively rare group, and not the population as a whole.

Ideally we want to return to the world we experience everyday where wesimply reach our hand to select what we want to work with, turn it toexamine it more closely, move and rotate it to a proper position toattach it to another object, find the right location and orientation toapply a bend of the proper amount and orientation to allow it to fitaround another design object, capture 3D real work models, or stretchand sculpture designs.

One of the most wonderful properties of this invention is that it givesthe user the ability to control not only 3D location with the motion ofhis hand but he also has 4 other pieces of data (3 orientation anglesand time) that can be applied to control parameters. For example if wewanted to blend 2 designs (say a Ferrari and a Corvette) to create a newdesign, this process could be controlled simply by:

1) moving the users hand from left to right to define the location ofthe cross section to be blended,

2) tilt the hand forward to defined the percentage “P” used to blend the2 cross sections, and

3) hit the letter R on the keyboard to record items 1 and 2. From theeach of the 2 cross sectional curves define a set of (x, y) coordinatesand create a blended cross sectional coordinate set as follows:X(blend)=P*X(Ferrari)+(1−P)*X(Corvette)Y(blend)+P*Y(Ferrari)+(1−P)*Y(Corvette)Note here and elsewhere, keystrokes can be replace if desired by voicecommands, assuming suitable voice recognition capability in thecomputer.

In the apparatus of FIGS. 1 a-e, we desire to use a touching andindicating device 216 with action tip 217 and multidegree of freedomenabling target 215 that the user holds in her hand. Single targets, ormultiple targets can be used with a camera system such as 206 so as toprovide up to 6 axis information of pointing device position andorientation vis a vis the camera reference frame, and by matrixtransform, to any other coordinate system such as that of a TV display,220.

In using the invention in the form, a user can send an interrupt signalfrom an “interrupt member” (such as pressing a keyboard key) to capturea single target location and orientation or a stream of target locations(ended with another interrupt). A computer program in computerdetermines the location and orientation of the target. The location andorientation of the “action tip”: 217 of the pointing device can becomputed with simple offset calculations from the location andorientation of the target or target set.

The set of tip 217 locations defines the 3D shape of the real worldobject 205. Different targeted tools with long or curved extensions totheir action tips can be used to reach around the real world objectwhile maintaining an attached target in the target volume so the camerascan record its location/orientation.

By lifting the tip of the pointing device off the surface of the object,the user can send location and orientation information to operate acomputer program that will deform or modify the shape of the computermodel displayed. Note that the user can deform a computer model even ifthere is no real world object under the tip. The tip location andorientation can always be passed to the computer program that isdeforming the computer model.

The same device can be used to replace graphic tablets, mice, or whiteboards, or to be used in conjunction with a display screen, turning intoa form of touch screen (as previously, and further discussed herein). Inone mode Interrupt members can be activated (i.e. a button or keyboardkey etc. can be pressed) like mouse buttons. These together with thetarget ID can initiate a computer program to act like a pen or an eraseror a specific paintbrush or spray can with width or other properties.The other target properties (z, or orientation angles) can be assignedto the computer program's pen, brush or eraser letting the userdynamically change these properties.

Target(s) can be attached to a users hand or painted on her nails usingretroreflective nail polish paint for example allowing the user toquickly move their hand from the keyboard to allow camera or cameras andcomputer like that of FIGS. 1 a-e to determine the position andorientation in 2D or 3D of a computer generated object on the display,and to set the view direction or zoom, or input a set of computerparameters or computer instructions. This can all be done with the samedevice that we described in the above figures.

A major advantage is that this is done without having to grab a mouse orother device. Finger tips can be tracked in order to determine arelative movement such as a grasping motion of the fingers, furtherdescribed in FIG. 6. Similarly the relation of say one finger, to thenail of the other hand can be seen.

Suitable indication can be the nail or natural image of the fingeritself if suitable processing time and data processing power isavailable. However, as pointed our above, results today areexpeditiously and economically best achieved by using easily identified,and preferably bright indicia such as retroreflective items, brightlycolored or patterned items, unusually shaped items or a combinationthereof.

One can also modify or virtually modify the thing digitized with thetools disclosed. The computer can both process the optical input and runthe computer application software or a group of computers can processthe optical data to obtain the location and orientation of the targetsover time and pass that information to the application software in aseparate computer.

The object 205 is shown being digitized with the simple pointer 216,though it could be different tools that could be used. For example,additional tools which could be used to identify the location andorientation of a 3D object are: a long stemmed pointer to work behind anobject, pointers designed to reach into tight spaces, or aroundfeatures, pointers to naturally slide over round surfaces, or planarcorners. Each time the “activation member” is triggered, the camerasystem can capture the location and orientation of the target as well asits ID (alternatively one could enter the ID conventionally via akeyboard, voice or whatever. The ID is used to lookup in the associateddatabase the location of the “work tip”. The 3D coordinates can then bepassed to the application software to later build the 3D data necessaryto create a computer model of the object. When working on the back ofthe object furthest from the cameras, the object may obscure the cameraview of the target on the simple tool. Thus the user may switch to thelong stem tool or the curved stem tool that are used to get around theblocking geometry of the object. Other pointers can be used to reachinto long crevices.

Let's examine the term “activation member”. This can be any signal tothe computer system that it should initiate a new operation such ascollect one or more data points, or store the information, or lookupinformation in the associated databases, etc. Examples of the activationmember are a button or foot pedal electronically linked to the computer,a computer keyboard whose key is depressed, or a trigger turning on alight or set of lights on a target, or a sound or voice activation.

Another method of acquiring a 3D shape is to slide a targeted tool overthe object acquiring a continuous stream of 3D coordinates that can betreated as a 3D curve. These curves can later be processed to define thebest 3D model to fit these curves. Each curve can be identified aseither being an edge curve or a curve on the general body surface byhitting the previously defined keyboard key or other activation member.This method is extremely powerful for capturing clay modeling as theartist is performing his art. In other words, each sweep of his fingerscan be followed by recording the path of a target attached to hisfingers. The target ID is used to lookup in the associated database theartists finger width and the typical deformation that his fingersexperience on a sweep. He can change targets as the artwork nearscompletion to compensate for a lighter touch with less deformation.

FIG. 2 b

FIG. 2 b illustrates how targeted tools can be used in a CAD system orother computer program. A targeted work tool can be a toy model of thereal world tool 280 (a toy drill for example) or the tool itself 281 (asmall paint brush) helping the user immediately visualize the propertiesof the tool in the computer program. Note that any targeted tool can be“aliased” by another tool. For instance, the tip of the brush could beredefined inside the computer program to act like the tip of a drill.The location and orientation of the drill tip as well as the drillparameters such as its width can be derived from the target and togetherwith its path and interrupt member information. The user can operate hisCAD system as though he were operating a set of workshop or artist toolsrather than traversing a set of menus.

The work tool and an object to be worked on can be targeted, and sensedeither simultaneously or one after the other. Their relative locationsand orientations can be derived allowing the user, for example, to“whittle” her computer model of the object 285 that she has in one handwith the tool 286 that is in the other hand.

Also a set of objects that are part of a house design process such as adoor, a window, a bolt or a hinge could be defined quickly withouthaving the user traverse a set of menus.

This device can perform an extremely broad range of input tasks formanipulation of 2D or 3D applications.

The devices that are used today for such activity are typically a mouseor a graphic tablet. Both of these devices really tend to work only intwo dimensions. Everyone has had the experience with the mouse where itslips or skips over the mouse pad making it difficult to accuratelyposition the cursor. The graphic tablet is somewhat easier to manipulatebut it is bulky, covering up the desktop surface.

The disclosed invention can replace either of these devices. It nevergets stuck since it moves in air. We can attach a target to the top ofone of our hands or paint our fingernails and have them act as a target.Alternatively, for example we can pickup a pointing device such as apencil with a target attached to the top of it. By merely moving ourhand from side to side in front of the camera system we can emulate amouse. As we move our hand forward and backward a software driver in ourinvention would emulate a mouse moving forward or backward, making inputusing known interface protocol straightforward. As we move our hand upand down off the table (something that neither the graphic tablet northe mouse can do) our software driver can recognize a fullythree-dimensional movement.

Much of the difficulty with computer-aided design software comes fromones inability heretofore to move naturally around our computer object.We see a three-dimensional design projected onto the two-dimensionalcomputer display and we attempt to move around our three-dimensionaldesign using two-dimensional input devices such as a mouse or computergraphic tablet. Design would be so much easier if we could simply moveour hand in a three-dimensional region to both rotate and locate designinformation.

One Example of a Design Session Using this Invention

To more concretely describe this invention we will discuss one of manypossible implementations:

painted fingernails on ones hand in that will act as the targets,

the computer keyboard will indicated which commands I am performing.Targets can also be attached to objects, tools, and hands. Commands canbe entered by voice, buttons, other member manipulations, or even by thepath of a target itself.

An example of a sequence of actions is now described. The specific keyspicked for this example are not a restriction of this invention. In afurther embodiment other means of triggering events are disclosed thankey board strokes.

An example of a sequence of actions is now described. The specific keyspicked for this example are not a restriction of this invention. In afurther embodiment other means of triggering events are disclosed thankeyboard strokes.

Example of CAD usage with targeted tools and objects together with voicerecognition activated member:

1) Say “start” to begin using the invention.

2) Say “rotate View” and rotate the targeted hand inside the targetvolume until the view on the computer display is in the direction thatyou choose. In the same sense that a small motion of the mouse is scaledup or down to the useful motion in the design software, a small motionor rotation of the targeted hand can be scaled. Consider the target tobe composed of three separate retroreflective fingernail targets. Byrotating the plane formed by the three fingernails five degrees to theleft we could make the display view on the screen rotate by say 45degrees. We could also use the distance between ones fingers to increaseor decrease the sensitivity to the hand rotation. This, if ones threefingers were close together a 5-degree turn of ones hand mightcorrespond to a 5-degree turn on the screen, while if ones fingers werewidely spread apart a 5-degree turn might correspond to 90-degree turnon the screen. Say “freeze view” to fix the new view.

3) Move the hand inside the target volume until a 3D cursor falls on topof at the display of a computer model and then say “select model”.

4) Say “rotate model” and a rotation of the user's hand will cause theselected computer model to be rotated. Say “freeze model” to fix therotation.

5) Say “Select grab point” to select a location to move the selectedmodel by.

6) Say “move model” to move the selected model to a new location. Nowthe user can move this model in his design merely by moving his hand.When the proper location and orientation are achieved say “freeze model”to fix the object's position. This makes CAD assembly easy.

7) Say “start curve” and move the targeted hand through target volume inorder to define a curve that can be used either as a design edge or as apath for the objects to follow. By moving the fingers apart in the usercan control various curve parameters. Say “end curve” to complete thecurve definition.

8) Pick up a model door that is part of a set of design objects each ofwhich has its own unique target and target ID. Move the targeted objectin the target volume until the corresponding design object in thesoftware system is oriented and located properly in the design. Then say“add object”. The location and orientation of the model door togetherwith the spoken instruction will instruct the CAD program to create adoor in the computer model. Moving the targeted fingers of apart canvary parameters that define the door such as height or width).

9) Pick up a targeted model window and say “add Object”. The locationand orientation of the model window together with the key hit willinstruct the CAD program to create a window in the computer model.

10) Say “define Parameters” to define the type of window and windowproperties. The 3 location parameters, 3 orientation parameters, and thepath motion, can be assigned by the database associated with the objectto control and vary parameters that define the window in the computersoftware. Say “freeze parameters” to fix the definition.

EXAMPLE Designing a Car with Targeted Tools and Objects, Together withthe Keyboard as the Member Giving Commands

Now we apply this to the design of an automobile. The steps are asfollows:

1. Pick up a model of a Corvette with a target attached to it and placeit in the target volume.

2. Hit the A key (or provide another suitable signal to the computer,keys being representative of one type prevalent today) to the targetparameters to define the object's parameters of interest such as model,year, and make.

3. Pick up a targeted pointer associated with the CAD commands tolocating a car part to work on. The use of this specialized pointertarget ID together with hitting the L key to define a view of the carwhere the orientation of the target defines the view orientation and thelocation of the camera. If the target defines a camera position insidethe car the design information behind the camera will not be displayed.The motion of the special printer after the hit could indicate othercommands without the use of a keyboard hit. For instance, a forward orbackward tilt could increase or decrease the zoom magnification of thedisplay. A large tilt to the left could select the object under thecursor and a large tilt to the right could deselect the object under thecursor. In a CAD system this selection could mean display that part forexamination while in an inventory system it could mean display that partfor examination while in an inventory system it could mean deliver thispart.

4. Consider that part was hood selected for redesign in a CAD system.The user pick ups a targeted curvy wire. The invention will recognizethe target ID as that of a curve line cross section command and when theuser hits any key (or gives a voice command or other suitable signal)the location and orientation of the target is determined and thecomputer program will cause a cross section curve of the hood to beacquired at the corresponding location and orientation. The CAD systemwill then expect a series of keystrokes and target paths to define a newcross section leading to a modified hood design.

5. Hit the M key and draw a small curve segment to modify the previouslydrawn curve.

6. Hit the M key again to fix the modification.

7. Hit the F key to file down the hood where it seems to be too high.This is accomplished by moving the targeted fingers back and forth belowsome specified height above a surface (for example one-inch height abovethe desktop). The lower the fingers and move the target or targeted handforward or backward. This can be linked to the surface definition in theCAD system causing the surface to be reduced as though a file or sanderwere being used. The lower the fingers the more material is removed oneach pass. Likewise moving the fingers above one inch can be used to addmaterial to the hood. Spreading the targeted fingers can increase thewidth of the sanding process.

8. A user can acquire 3D model (plastic, clay, etc.) by hitting the Ckey and either rub targeted fingers or a hand-held targeted sculpturetool over the model. From the path of the targeted fingers or tool wecan compute the surface by applying the offset characteristics of thetargeted too. If the 3D object is made of a deformable material such asclay, the CAD system can reflect the effect of the fingers or toolpassing over the model on each passes. If we want we can add some clayon top of the model to build up material where we need it. Thus we cantie art forms such as clay modeling directly into CAD or other computersystems.

We can use targeted tools such as drills, knives, trowels, and scalpelsto modify the clay model and its thus associated CAD model. The targetID will allow the computer to check the associated database to determinewhere the tip is relative to the target and define how the path of thetarget would result in the tool affecting the CAD model. Notice that wecan use these tools in the same manner even if there's no clay model orother real world model to work on. Also notice that these tools could besimple targeted sticks but the CAD model would still be affected in thesame way.

FIGS. 3 a-b

FIGS. 3 a-b illustrate additional embodiments working virtual objects,and additional alias objects according to the invention. For example afirst object can be a pencil, with the Second object a piece of paper.It also illustrates how we can use of computer image determined toolposition and orientation (targeted or otherwise) to give the usertactile and visual feedback as to how the motion, location, andorientation of the tool will affect the application computer program.

The user of the computer application program may have several tools thatshe feels comfortable with on her desk. An artist for instance mighthave a small paintbrush, a large paintbrush, a pen, an eraser, and apencil. Each of these would have a unique target attached to it. Theartist would then pick up the tool that she would normally use and drawover the surface of a sheet of paper or over the surface of displayscreen or projection of computer display. The application software wouldnot only trace the path of the tip of the targeted work tool, but alsotreat the tool as though it were a pen or paintbrush etc. The exactcharacteristics of the pen would be found in the associated databaseusing the target ID has a lookup key. Extra parameters such as the widthof the line, its color, or whether it's a dashed line could bedetermined by keyboard input or by applying the height, or targetorientation parameters.

If the artist did not own a tool that he needed he could “alias” thistool as follows. Suppose that the artist is missing a small paintbrush.He can pick up a pen move it into the target volume and signal thetarget acquisition software such as typing on the computer's keyboardthe letter Q followed by the ID number of the small paintbrush. Fromthis point on the computer will use the database us initiated with thesmall paintbrush instead of that of the pen.

Specifically we are illustrating several concepts:

1) This invention gives the user the natural tactile and visual feedbackthat she is used to and her art. Thus an artist would use targetedversions of the very tools such as pens 306, paintbrushes 305, anderasers 310 that she uses without a computer.

2) By drawing with a targeted tool (e.g. 336, having target 337) on apaper pad (e.g. 350 shown in FIG. 3 b, with target 342) or canvas, theuser again continues to experience the traditional non-computer art formas a computer interface. (targets in multiple corners of the paper canalso be used for added resolution of paper location with respect to thetool) The user would see her art drawn on the paper while creating acomputer version with all of the editing and reproduction capabilitiesimplied by computers. The targeted tool's motion relative to thetargeted paper is what determines the line in the graphics system. Thusthe user could even put the pad in her lap and change her position in achair and properly input the graphic information as she draws on thepaper as long as the targets continue to be in the view of the camerasystem.

3) By drawing directly on a computer display, such as shown in FIG. 12,or transparent cover over a computer display, the user can make thetargeted manipulate the computer display and immediately get feedback onhow the graphics are effected. Again the art form will seem to match thetraditional non-computer experience.

4) Parameters such as line width, or line type, etc. can be controlledby the target parameters that are not used to determine the path of theline (usually this would be the target height and orientation).

5) This invention allows the user to “alias” any object with any otherobject.

6) This invention allows users to control computer programs by movingtargeted objects around inside the target volume rather than having tolearn different menu systems for you each software package. Thus a childcould quickly learn how to create 3D CAD designs by moving targeted toydoors 361, windows 362, drills 360, and pencils. With the use of macrosfound in most systems today, a user would create a hole in an object thesame way on different CAD systems by moving say a tool such as a drillstarting at the proper location and orientation and proceed to theproper depth.

An example of a Quant that could be used to define command in a CAD ordrawing system to create a rectangle might be proceeded as follows:

1) Hit the Q key on the keyboard to start recording a Quant.

2) Sweep the target to the right punctuated with a short stationarypause. During the pause analyze the vector direction for the start ofthe path segment initiated with the Q key and ending with the pause. Thefirst and last point of this segment define a vector direction that ismainly to the right with no significant up/down or in/out component.Identify this a direction 1.

3) Sweep the target upward punctuated with a short stationary pause.During the pause analyze the vector direction for the start of the pathsegment initiated with the last pause and ending with the next pause.The first and last point of this segment define a vector direction thatis mainly upward with no significant left/right or in/out component.Identify this a direction 2.

4) Sweep the target to the left punctuated with a short stationarypause. During the pause analyze the vector direction for the start ofthe path segment initiated with the last pause and ending with the nextpause. The first a last point of this segment define a vector directionthat is mainly to the left with no significant up/down or in/outcomponent. Identify this a direction 3.

5) Sweep the target down punctuated with a short stationary pause.During the pause analyze the vector direction for the start of the pathsegment initiated with the last pause and ending with the next pause.The first and last point of this segment define a vector direction thatis mainly down with no significant left/right or in/out component.Identify this a direction 4.

6) End the Quant acquisition with a key press “a” that gives additionalinformation to identify how the Quant is to be used.

7) In this example the Quant might be stored as a compact set of 7numbers and letters (4, 1, 2, 3, 4, a, 27) where 4 is the number of pathsegments, 1-4 are number that identify path segment directions (i.e.right, up, left, down), “a” is the member interrupt (the key press a),and 27 is the target ID. FIG. 7 a illustrates a flow chart as to howtarget paths and Quants can be defined.

FIG. 4

FIG. 4 illustrates a car driving game embodiment of the invention, whichin addition illustrates the use of target-based artifacts and simplifiedhead tracking with viewpoint rotation. The car dash is for example aplastic model purchased or constructed to simulate a real car dash, orcan even be a make-believe dash (i.e. in which the dash is made from forexample a board, and the steering wheel from a wheel from a wagon orother toy,—or even a dish), and the car is simulated in its actions viacomputer imagery and sounds.

Cameras 405 and 406 forming a stereo pair, and light sources as required(not shown) are desirably mounted on rear projection TV 409, and areused together with computer 411 to determine the location andorientation of the head of a child or other game player. The computer,provides from software a view on the screen of TV 409 (and optionallysound, on speakers 413 and 414) that the player would see as he turnshis head—e.g. right, left, (and optionally, up, down—not so important ina car game driven on horizontal plane, but important in other gameswhich can be played with the same equipment but different programs).This viewpoint rotation is provided using the cameras to determine theorientation of the head from one or more targets 415 attached to theplayers head or in this case, a hat 416.

In addition, there desirably is also target 420 on the steering wheelwhich can be seen by stereo pair of cameras 405 and 406. As the wheel isturned, the target moves in a rotary motion which can be transducedaccordingly, or as a compound x and y motion by the camera processorsystem means in computer 411. It is noted that The target 420 canalternately be attached to any object that we chose to act as a steeringwheel 421 such as the wheel of a child's play dashboard toy 425.

A prefabricated plywood or plastic molded for dash board can be suppliedhaving other controls incorporated, e.g. gas pedal 440 hinged at bottomwith hinge 441, and preferably providing an elastic tactile feedback,has target 445 viewed by cameras 405 and 406 such that y axis positionand/or z axis (range) changes as the player pushes down on the pedal.This change is sensed, and determined by TV based stereo photogrammetryusing the cameras and computer, which data is then converted by computer412 into information which can be used to modify the display or audiosignals providing simulations of the cars acceleration or speed depictedwith visual and auditory cues.

Similarly, a brake pedal or any other control action can be provided,for example moving a dashboard lever such as 450 sideways (moving inthis case a target on its rear facing the camera not shown for clarity,in x axis motion), or turning a dashboard knob such as 455 (rotating atarget, not shown, on its rear facing the camera).

Alternatively to purchasing or fabricating a realistic dashboardsimulation toy, the child can use his imagination with the same gamesoftware. Ordinary household objects such as salt shakers with attachedtargets can serve as the gas pedal, gearshift, or other controls. A dishwith a target, for example can created by the invention to represent asteering wheel, without any other equipment used. This makes fun toysand games available at low cost once computers and camera systems becomestandard due to their applicability to a wide variety of applications,at ever lower hardware cost due to declining chip prices.

One camera system (single or stereo pair or other) can be used to followall of the targets at once or several camera systems can follow separatetargets.

To summarize this figure we have shown the following ideas:

1) This invention can turn toys or household objects into computercontrols or game controls. This is most easily accomplished by attachingone or more special targets to them, though natural features of someobjects can be used.

2) This invention allows us to set up control panels or instrumentpanels as required without the complex mechanical and electricalconnections, and transducers that are typically required. This lowersthe cost and complexity dramatically.

3) The invention allows simplified head tracking with viewpointrotation.

Some further detail on the embodiment of FIG. 4, wherein a boy is seatedin front of a low cost plastic or plywood dashboard to which a targetedsteering wheel and gas and brake pedal is attached (also gear shifts,and other accessories as desired). A target on the boys hat is observed,as are the targets on the individual items of the dash, in this case bystereo pair of cameras located atop the TV display screen, which is oflarge enough size to seem real—for example, the dash board width ispreferable. Retro-reflective tape targets of scotch light 7615 materialare used, illuminated by light sources in close adjacency to eachcamera.

Optionally a TV image of the boy's face can also be taken to show him atthe wheel, leaning out the window (likely imaginary) etc.

As noted previously, the boy can move his head from left to right andthe computer change the display so he sees a different view of his caron the track, and up and down, to move from driver view of the road, tooverhead view of the course, say.

Stereo cameras may be advantageously located on a television receiverlooking outward at the back of an instrument panel, having targetedlevers and switches and steering wheel, etc. whose movement and positionis determined along with that of the player, if desired. The panel canbe made out of low cost wood or plastic pieces. The player can wear ahat with targets viewed—same field of view as ins. Panel—this allows alldata in one view. As he moves his head to lean out the car window so tospeak, the image on screen moves view (typically in an exaggeratedmanner, like a small angular head movement, might rotate the view 45degrees in the horizontal or vertical direction on the screen).

This invention allows one to change the game from cars to planes just bychanging the low cost plastic or wood molded toy instrument panel withits dummy levers, switches, sliders, wheels, etc. These actuatingdevices are as noted desirably for easiest results, targeted for exampleby high visibility and of accurately determinable position,retroreflector or led targets. The display used can be that of the TV,or separately incorporated (and preferably removable for use in otherapplications), as with an LCD (liquid crystal display) on the instrumentpanel. Multi-person play is possible, and can be connected remotely.

Of significance, is that all datum's useable in this toy car drivingsimulation game, including several different driver body point inputs,head position and orientation, steering wheel position, plus driver graylevel image and perhaps other functions as well, can all be observedwith the same camera or multi-camera stereo camera set. This is a hugesaving in cost of various equipment otherwise used with high pricedarcade systems to deliver a fraction of the sensory input capability.The stereo TV image can also TV images which can be displayed in stereoat another site if desired too.

Where only a single camera is used to see a single point, depthinformation in z (from panel to camera, here on the TV set as shown inFIG. 4) is not generally possible. Thus steering wheel rotation isvisible as an xy movement in the image field of the camera, but the gaspedal lever must be for example hinged so as to cause a significant xand/or y change not just a predominantly z change.

A change in x and/or y can be taught to the system to represent therange of gas pedal positions, by first engaging in a teach mode whereone can as shown in FIG. 4 input a voice command to say to the systemthat a given position is gas pedal up, gas pedal down (max throttle) andany position in between. The corresponding image positions of the targeton the gas pedal lever member re recorded in a table and looked up (oralternatively converted to an equation) when the game is in actualoperation so that the gas pedal input command can be used to causeimagery on the screen (and audio of the engine, say) to give an apparentspeedup or slowing down of the vehicle. Similarly the wheel can beturned right to left, with similar results, and the brake pedal leverand any other control desired can also be so engaged. (as noted below,in some cases such control is not just limited to toys and simulationsand can also be used for real vehicles).

The position, velocity, and rate of change of targeted member positionscan also be determined, to indicate other desirable information to thecomputer analyzing the TV images.

Where stereo image pairs are used, the largest freedom for actionresults as z dimension can also be encoded. However many controlfunctions are unidirectional, and thus can be dealt with as noted aboveusing a single camera 2D image analysis.

On a broader scale, this aspect of the invention allows one to create 3Dphysical manifestations of instruments in a simulation form, much asNational Instruments firm has pioneered two dimensional TV screen onlydisplays. In addition such an “instrument panel” can also be used tointeract with conventional programs-even word processing, spreadsheetsand the like where a lever moved by the user might shift a displaywindow on the screen for example. A selector switch on the panel canshift to different screens altogether, and so forth.

FIG. 4 has also illustrated the use of the invention to create a simplegeneral-purpose visual and tactile interface to computer programs.

FIGS. 5 a-c

FIGS. 5 a-c illustrate a one-person game where a targeted airplane model505 can be used to define the course of an airplane in a game. Theorientation of the plane, determined from targets 510, 511, and 512 (onthe wings and fuselage respectively) by camera(s) 530 is used by programresident in computer 535 to determine its position and orientation, andchanges therein due to movement in the game. The model can be purchasedpre targeted (where natural features such as colored circles or specialretroreflectors might be used for example). The planes positionand/orientation or change therein is used as an input to a visualdisplay on the computer display and audio program to provide realisticfeeling of flight—or alternatively to allow the computer to stage aduel, wherein an the opposing fighter is created in the computer anddisplayed either alone, or along with the fighter represented by theplayer. It is particularly enhanced when a large screen display is used,for example >42 inches diagonal.

A two person version in shown in FIG. 5 b where the two computers can belinked over the internet or via a cable across the room. In thetwo-person game airplane 510 is targeted 511 and the motion is sent overa communication link 515 to a second computer where another player hadher airplane 520 with its target. The two results can be displayed oneach computer display allowing the users to interactively modify theirposition and orientation. An interrupt member can trigger the game tofire a weapon or reconfigure the vehicle. A set of targets 514 can evenbe attached (e.g. with Velcro, to his hands or wrists, and body or head)to the player 513 allowing her to “become” the airplane as he movesaround in the front of the cameras. This is similar to a child today,pretending to be an airplane, with arms outstretched. It is thus a verynatural type of play, but with exciting additions of sounds and 3Dgraphics to correspond to the moves made.

For example:

if the child's arms tilt, to simulate a bank of the plane, a planerepresentation such as an F16 on the screen can also bank.

If the child moves quickly, the sounds of the jet engine can roar

If the child moves his fingers, for example, the guns can fire.

And so forth. In each case a position or movement of the child, issensed by the camera, compared by the computer program to programmed ortaught movement or position, and the result used to activate the desiredvideo and/or audio response—and to transmit to a remote location ifdesired the positions and movements either raw, or in processed mode(i.e. a command saying “bank left” could just be transmitted, ratherthan target positions corresponding thereto).

Also illustrated in FIG. 5 c is a one or multi-person “Big Bird” orother hand puppet game embodiment of the invention played if desiredover remote means such as the Internet. It is similar to the stuffedanimal application described above, except that the players are not inthe same room. And, in the case of the Internet, play is bandwidthlimited, at least today.

Child 530 plays with doll or hand puppet 550, for example SesameStreets' “Big Bird”, can be targeted using targets 535 and 540 on itshands 551 and 552 and curvilinear line type target 553 and 554 outliningits upper and lower lips (beak). Target motion sensed by stereo pair ofcameras 540 and 541 is transformed by computer 545 into signals to besent over the internet 555 or through another communication link toallow a second child 556 to interact, moving his doll 560 with say atleast one target 561.

In the simplest case, Each user controls one character. The results ofboth actions can be viewed on each computer display.

It is noted that a simple program change, can convert from an airplanefighter game, to something else—for example pretending to be a model ona runway, (where walking perfectly might be the goal), or dolls thatcould be moved in a TV screen representation doll house—itselfselectable as the White House, Buckingham Palace or what ever.

We have depicted a one or two person airplane game according to theinvention, to further include inputs for triggering and scene change viamovement sequences or gestures of a player. Further described are othermovements such as gripping or touch indicating which can be useful asinput to a computer system.

The invention comprehends a full suite of up to 6 degrees of freedomgesture type inputs, both static, dynamic, and sequences of dynamicmovements.

FIG. 6

FIG. 6 illustrates other movements such as gripping or touch indicatingwhich can be useful as input to a computer system. Parts of the user,such as the hands can describe motion or position signatures andsequences of considerable utility.

Some natural actions of this type (learned in the course of life): Grip,pinch, grasp, stretch, bend, twist, rotate, screw, point, hammer, throw.

Some specially learned or created actions of this type: defineparameter, (for example, fingers wide apart, or spaced narrow) flippedup targets etc on fingers—rings, simple actuated object with levers tomove targets.

This really is a method of signaling action to computer using Detectedposition of one finger, two fingers of one hand, one finger of eachhand, two hands, or relative motion/position of any of the above withrespect to the human or the computer camera system or the screen (itselfgenerally fixed with respect to the camera system).

These actions can cause objects depicted on a screen to be acted on, bysensing using the invention. For example, consider the thumb 601 andfirst finger 602 of lets say the users left hand 605 are near an objectsuch as a 3D graphic rendition of a cow 610 displayed on the screen,615, in this case hung from a wall, or with an image projected frombehind thereon. As the fingers are converged in a pinching motiondepicted as dotted lines 620, the program of computer 630 recognizesthis motion of fingernails 635 and 636 seen by cameras 640 and 641connected to the computer which processes their image, as a pinch/graspmotion and can either cause the image of the cow to be compressedgraphically, or if the hand is pulled away with in a certain time, it isa interpreted to be a grasp, and the cow object is moved to a newlocation on the screen where the user deposits it, for example atposition 650 (dotted lines). Or it could be placed “in the trash”.

A microphone 655 can be used to input voice commands into the computer630 which can then using known technology (dragon software, IBM viavoice, etc) be used to process the command. A typical command might begrip, move, etc, if these were not obvious from the detected motionitself.

In a similar manner, speakers 660 controlled by the computer can giveback data to the user such as a beep when the object has been grasped.Where possible for natural effect, it is desirable that where sound andaction coincide—that is a squishing sound when something is squished,for example.

If two hands are used, one can pinch the cow image at each end, and“elongate it” in one direction, or bend it in a curve, both motions ofwhich can be sensed by the invention in 3 dimensions—even though theimage itself is actually represented on the screen in two dimensions asa rendered graphic responding to the input desired. (via action of theprogram).

The Scale of grip of fingers depends on range from screen (and objectthereon being gripped) desirably has a variable scale factor dependenton detected range from the sensor (unless one is to always touch thescreen or come very near it to make the move).

Pinching or Gripping is very useful in combination with voice for wordprocessing and spreadsheets. One can move blocks of data from one placeto another in a document, or from one document to the next. One can verynicely use it for graphics and other construction by gripping objects,and pasting them together, and then rotating them or whatever with thefinger motions used sensed by the invention.

Similarly to the pinching or grasping motion just described, some otherexamples which can also be sensed and acted on with the invention, usingeither the natural image of the fingers or hands, or of specializeddatums thereon, are:

point

move

slide

grip

pull apart, stretch, elongate

push together, squeeze

twist, screw, turn

hammer

bend

throw

FIG. 7

Block Diagram

FIG. 7 illustrates the use of this invention to implement an opticalbased computer input for specifying software program commands,parameters, define new objects or new actions in an application computerprogram, temporarily redefine some or all of the database associatedwith the target or call specific computer programs, functions, orsubroutines.

A sequence of simple path segments of the targets obtained by thisinvention separated by “Quant punctuation” together with its interruptmember settings and its target ID can define a unique data set. We referto this data set as a “Quant” referring to the discrete states (muchlike quantum states of the atom). The end of each path segment isdenoted with a “Quant punctuation” such as radical change in pathdirection or target orientation or speed or the change in a specificinterrupt member or even a combination of the above. The path segmentsare used to define a reduced or quantized set of target pathinformation.

A Quant has an associated ID (identification number) which can be usedas a look-up key in an associated database to find the associatedprogram commands, parameters, objects, actions, etc. as well as thedefining characteristics of the Quant.

An example of a Quant that could be used to define command in a CAD ordrawing system to create a rectangle might be proceeded as follows:

A. Hit the Q key on the keyboard to start recording a Quant.

B. Sweep the target to the right punctuated with a short stationarypause. During the pause analyze the vector direction for the start ofthe path segment initiated with the Q key and ending with the pause. Thefirst and last point of this segment define a vector direction that ismainly to the right with no significant up/down or in/out component.Identify this a direction 1.

C. Sweep the target upward punctuated with a short stationary pause.During the pause analyze the vector direction for the start of the pathsegment initiated with the last pause and ending with the next pause.The first and last point of this segment define a vector direction thatis mainly upward with no significant left/right or in/out component.Identify this a direction 2.

D. Sweep the target to the left punctuated with a short stationarypause. During the pause analyze the vector direction for the start ofthe path segment initiated with the last pause and ending with the nextpause. The first a last point of this segment define a vector directionthat is mainly to the left with no significant up/down or in/outcomponent. Identify this a direction 3.

E. Sweep the target down punctuated with a short stationary pause.During the pause analyze the vector direction for the start of the pathsegment initiated with the last pause and ending with the next pause.The first and last point of this segment define a vector direction thatis mainly down with no significant left/right or in/out component.Identify this a direction 4.

F. End the Quant acquisition with a key press “a” that gives additionalinformation to identify how the Quant is to be used.

G. In this example the Quant might be stored as a compact set of 7numbers and letters (4, 1, 2, 3, 4, a, 27) where 4 is the number of pathsegments, 1-4 are number that identify path segment directions (i.e.right, up, left, down), “a” is the member interrupt (the key press a),and 27 is the target ID. FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart as to howtarget paths and Quants can be defined.

H. In another example, the continuous circular sweep rather thanpunctuated segments might define a circle command in a CAD system. SomeQuants might immediately initiate the recording of another Quant thatprovides the information needed to complete the prior Quant instruction.

I. Specific Quants can identify a bolt and its specific size, and threadparameters together with information as to command a computer controlledscrewing device or drilling a hole for this size bolt. Another Quantcould identify a hinge.

J. Define a CAD model with the specific size, and manufacturecharacteristics defined by Quant.

K. Or assign joint characteristics to a CAD model.

L. Or command a computer controlled device to bend an object at a givenlocation and orientation by a given location and orientation amount.

M. This method can be applied to sculpture where the depth of a planarcut or the whittling of an object can be determined by thecharacteristics of the targeted object's path (in other words by it'sQuant).

FIGS. 8 a-f

FIGS. 8 a-f illustrate the use of this invention for medicalapplications. A user can apply this invention for teaching medical anddental students, or controlling robotic equipment used for example inmedical and dental applications. In addition, it can be used to givephysically controlled lookup of databases and help systems.

In FIG. 8 a, somewhat similar to FIGS. 1 a-e above, a scalpel has twotargets 801, and 802 (in this case triangular targets) allowing a 6degree of freedom solution of the position and orientation of a scalpel811 to which it is attached, having a tip 815. Other surgicalinstruments can also be used, each with their own unique targets andtarget ID's, if desired, to allow their automatic recognition by theelectro-optical sensing system of the invention.

The figure shows a medical student's hand 820 holding a model of asurgical instrument, a scalpel. A model of a body can be used to call upsurgical database information in the computer attached to the camerasystem about the body parts in the vicinity of the body model 825 beingtouched. If the targeted tool is pressed down compressing the spring 810and moving the targets 801 and 802 apart, the information displayed canrefer to internal body parts. As the user presses down harder on thespring, the greater the targets move apart the lower in the body andthis can be used to instruct the database to display the computer thatwe reach for information. If the user wants to look up information ondrugs that are useful for organs in a given region in the body he mightuse a similar model syringe with a different target having a differentID. In a similar way a medical (or dental) student could be tested onhis knowledge of medicine by using the same method to identify andrecord in the computer location on the body that is the answer to a testquestion. Similarly the location and orientation of the targeted toolcan be used to control the path of a robotic surgery tool.

Notice that the tool with a spring gives the user tactile feedback.Another way the user can get tactile feedback is to use this pointertool on a pre-calibrated material that has the same degree ofcompression or cutting characteristics as the real body part.

In a preferred embodiment, each surgical device has its own uniquetarget and its own unique target ID. One of the unique features of thisinvention is that the user can use the fact surgical tool that he usesnormally in the application of his art. Thus, a dental student can pickup a standard dental drill and the target can be attached to a dentaldrill that has the same feel as an ordinary drill. FIG. 8 b show howseveral objects can be attached to specialized holders that are thenattached to a baseboard to create a single rigid collection whoselocation and orientation can be pre-registered and stored in a computerdatabase such that only a single targeted pointer or tool need betracked. The baseboard has one or more specialized target attachmentlocations. We consider two types of baseboard/holder attachments, fixed(such as pegboard/hole) or freeform (using for example magnets orVelcro). Charts 8 d and 8 e describe how these might be calibrated.

Attachable targets can be used to pre-register the location andorientation of 1 or more objects relative to a camera system and to eachother using a baseboard 839 shown here with square pegs 837 and anattachment fixture 838 that will hold a specialized target such as thoseshown as 855, 856, 857. A set of objects here shown as a model of a body840 and a model of a heart 841 with attachment points 842 and 843 thatare attached to object holders 845 and 846 at attachment points 847 and848. The object holders can be of different shapes allowing the user tohold the object at different orientations and positions as desired. Eachobject holder has an attachment fixture 850 and 851 that will hold aspecialized target. The user then picks the appropriate target togetherwith the appropriate fixture on the object holder so that the target isbest positioned in front of the camera to capture the location andorientation of the target. Chart 8 d and 8 e describe the calibrationprocess for a fixed and freeform attachment implementation respectively.Once the baseboard and targets have been calibrated, a computer programcan identify which object is being operated on and determine how thisinformation will be used. The steps for utilizing this system isdescribed in Chart 8 f.

FIG. 8 c illustrates a dentist with a targeted drill and a targetattached to a patients teeth can have the computer linked to the camerasystem perform an emergency pull back of the drill if a patient sneezes.

Many other medically related uses may be made of the invention. Forexample, movement or position of person a person may be sensed, and usedto activate music or 3D stimulus. This has suspected therapeutic valuewhen combined with music therapy in the treatment of stroke victims andpsychiatric disorders.

Similarly, the output of the sensed condition such as hand or feetposition, can be used to control actuators linked to therapeuticcomputer programs, or simply for use in health club exercise machines.Aids to the disabled are also possible.

FIGS. 9 a-c

FIGS. 9 a-c illustrate a means for aiding the movement of persons handswhile using the invention in multiple degree of freedom movement.

A joy stick is often used for game control. Shown in FIG. 9 a is ajoystick 905 of the invention having and end including a ball, 910, inwhich the data from datums on the ball position at the end of the stickis taken optically by the video camera 915 in up to 6 axes using asquare retroreflective target 920 on the ball. The stick of thisembodiment itself, unlike other joysticks is provided not as atransduction device, but to support the user. Alternatively some axescan be transduced, e.g. with LVDTs or resolvers, while data in otheraxes is optically sensed using the invention.

When one wishes to assemble objects, one object may be is held in eachhand. or one can use two joysticks as above, or one stick aide as shownhere, one hand free., for example.

FIG. 9 b shows an alternate to a joystick, using retroreflectivematerial targets attached to fingers 930,931 and 932 resting on afloating pad 935 resting on a liquid 940 in a container 945. Thefloating pad gives comfortable support to the hand while freely allowingthe targeted hand to move and rotate. We believe that this inventionwill help reduce the incidence of Carpal Tunnel syndrome.

FIG. 9 c shows another more natural way to use this invention in a waythat would eliminate Carpal Tunnel syndrome. One merely lets thetargeted hand 960 hang down in front of a camera system 970, alsoillustrated in the context of an armrest in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10

FIG. 10 illustrates a natural manner of computer interaction for aidingthe movement of persons hands while using the invention in multipledegree of freedom movement with ones arms resting on a armrest of achair, car, or the like.

As shown, user 1005 sitting in chair 1010 has his thumb and two fingerson both hands 1011 and 1012 targeted with ring shaped retroreflectorbands 1015-1020 as shown. All of the datums are seen with stereo TVcamera pair 1030 and 1031 on top of display 1035 driven by computer 1040which also processes the TV camera images. Alternatively, one hand canhold an object, and the user can switch objects as desired, in one orboth of his hands, to suit the use desired, as has been pointed outelsewhere in this application.

We have found that this position is useful for ease of working withcomputers. In particular when combined with microphone 1050 to providevoice inputs as well which can be used for word processing and generalcommand augmentation.

This type of seated position is highly useful for inputs to computersassociated with:

CAD stations

cars

games

business applications To name a few. Its noted that the armrest itselfmay contain other transducers to further be used in conjunction with theinvention, such as force sensors and the like.

FIG. 11

This figure illustrates an embodiment wherein other variable functionsin addition to image data of scene or targets are utilized. Asdisclosed, such added variables can be via separate transducersinterfaced to the computer or desirably provided by the invention in amanner to coexist with the existing TV camera pickups used for positionand orientation input.

A particular illustration of a level vial in a camera field of viewillustrates as well the establishment of a coordinate system referencefor the overall 3-6 degree of freedom coordinate system of camera(s). Asshown level vial 1101 located on the object 1102 is imaged by singlecamera 1140 along with the object, in this case having a set of 3retro-reflective targets 1105-1107, and a retro-reflector 1120 behindthe level vial to aid in return in light from near co-axial light source1130 therefrom (and particularly the meniscus 1125) to camera 1140, usedboth for single camera photogrammetry to determine object position andorientation, but as well to determine the level in one or two planes ofthe object with respect to earth.

It is noted that the level measuring device such as a vial,inclinometer, or other device can also be attached to the camera andwith suitable close-up optics incorporated therewith to allow it to beviewed in addition to the scene. In this case the camera pointingdirection is known with respect to earth or whatever is used to zero thelevel information which can be very desirable.

Clearly other variables such as identification, pressure, load,temperature, etc. can also be so acquired by the cameras of theinvention along with the image data relating to the scene or position ofobjects. For example the camera can see a target on a bimorph responsiveto temperature, or it could see the natural image of mercury in amanometer.

FIG. 12

This figure illustrates a touch screen constructed according to theinvention employing target inputs from fingers or other objects incontact with the screen, either of the conventional CRT variety, or anLCD screen, or a projection screen—or virtual contact of an aerialprojection in space.

As shown, a user 1201 with targeted finger 1203, whose position in 3Dspace relative to TV screen 1205 (or alternatively absolute position inroom space) is observed by camera system 1210 comprising a stereo pairof cameras (and if required light sources) as shown above. When the userplaces the target 1202 on his finger 1203 in the field of view of thecameras, the finger target is sensed, and as range detected by thesystem decreases indicating a touch is likely, the sensor system beginsreading continuously (alternatively, it could read all the time, butthis uses more computer time when not in use). When the sensed fingerpoint reaches a position, such as “P” on the screen, or in a plane orother surface spaced ahead a distance Z from the screen defined as thetrigger plane, the system reads the xy location, in the xy plane of thescreen, for example.

Alternatively a transformation can be done to create artificial planes,curved surfaces or the like used for such triggering as well.

Target datum's on the screen, either retro-reflectors or LED's say atthe extremities, or projected on to the screen by electron guns or otherlight projection devices of the TV system can be used to indicate to, orcalibrate the stereo camera system of the invention to the datum pointsof interest on the screen.

For example calibration datum's 1221-1224 are shown projected on thescreen either in a calibration mode or continuously for use by thestereo camera system which can for example search for their particularcolor and/or shape. These could be projected for a very short time (e.g.one 60 Hz TV field), and synched to the camera, such that the update incalibration of the camera to the screen might seem invisible to theuser.

A specially targeted or natural finger can be used with the invention,or an object both natural (e.g. a pencil point) or targeted (a pencilwith a retroreflector near its tip, for example,) can be used. Ingeneral, the natural case is not as able to specifically define a pointhowever, due to machine vision problems in defining its position usinglimited numbers of pixels often available in low cost cameras. Theretro-reflector or LED target example is also much faster, due to lightpower available to the camera system, and the simplicity of solution ofits centroid for example.

This is an important embodiment, as it allows one to draw, fingerpainting, or otherwise write on screens of any type, including largescreen projection TV's—especially rear projection, where the drawingdoesn't obscure the video projection.

Even when front projection onto a screen is used, one can still draw,using for example a video blanking to only project the screen imagewhere not obscured if desired. The cameras incidentally for viewing thetargeted finger or paintbrush, or whatever is used to make theindication can be located even behind the screen, viewing through thescreen at the target (this assumes the screen is sufficientlytransparent and non-distorting to allow this to occur).

It is noted that the screen may itself provide tactile feel. Forexample, one can remove material from a screen on which imagery isprojected. This could for example be a clay screen, with a frontprojection source. The object removing the material could be a targetedfinger or other object such as a sculpture tool. As discussedpreviously, the actual removal of material could be only simulated,given a deformable screen feel, or with no feel at all, if the screenwere rigid.

It is also of interest that the object on which the projection isdisplayed, need not be flat like a screen, but could be curved to betterrepresent o conform to the object shape represented or for otherpurposes.

The embodiment of the invention of FIG. 12 can be further used forcomputer aided design particularly with large screens which can givelife size images, and for use with life size tools and finger motion.The use of inputs herein described, as with respect to the figure above,is expected to revolutionize computer aided design and related fields inthe sense of making computer use far more intuitive and able to be usedeffectively by populace as a whole.

It is extremely interesting to consider a CAD display in life size or atleast large size form. In this case, the user experience is muchimproved over that today and is quicker to the desired result due to themuch more realistic experience. Illustrated this are applications tocars and clothes design.

For example, consider the view from the bottom of an underbody of a carwith all its equipment such as cables pipes and other components on alife size projection TV image 1260, obtainable today at high definitionwith digital video projectors, especially if one only worked with halfthe length of the car at once. Using the invention, a designer 1200 canwalk up to the screen image (2 dimensionally displayed, or if desired instereoscopic 3D), and trace, with his finger 1203, the path where thecomplex contoured exhaust pipe should go, a notorious problem to design.

The computer 1240 taking the data from stereo pair of TV cameras 1210,can cause the TV screen to display the car undercarriage life size, orif desired to some other scale. The designer can look for interferencesand other problems as if it were real, and can even take a real physicalpart if desired, such as a pipe or a muffler, and lay it life sizeagainst the screen where it might go, and move the other componentsaround “physically” with his hand, using his hand or finger tracked bythe TV camera or cameras of the system as input to the correspondingmodification to the computer generated image projected.

Multiple screens having different images can be displayed as well by theprojector, with the other screens for example showing section cuts ofdifferent sections of the vehicle which can further indicate to thedesigner the situation, viewed from different directions, or atdifferent magnifications, for example. With the same finger, or hisother hand the designer can literally “cut” the section himself, withthe computer following suit with the projected drawing image, changingthe view accordingly.

The invention has the ability to focus ones thoughts to a set ofmotions—fast, intuitive and able to quickly and physically relate to theobject at hand. It is felt by the inventors that this will materiallyincrease productivity of computer use, and dramatically increase theability of the computer to be used by the very young and old.

As noted above in the car design example, individual engineers usingtargeted hands and fingers (or natural features such as finger tips) orby use of targeted aides or tools as described, they can move literallythe exhaust pipe by grabbing it using the invention on the screen andbending it, i.e. causing a suitable computer software program in realtime to modify the exhaust pipe data base to the new positions anddisplay same on the projected display (likely wall size).

If no database existed, a drawing tool can be grabbed, and the engineercan “draw” using his targeted and sensed by the TV camera or othersensor of the invention finger or tool on the screen where he wants theexhaust pipe to go. The computer then creates a logical routing and thenecessary dimensions of the pipe, using manufacturing data as need be toinsure it could be reliably made in economically manner (if not, anindication could be provided to the engineer, with hints as to what isneeded). One of the very beauties of this is that it is near real, andit is something that a group of more than one person can interact with.This gives a whole new meaning to design functions that havehistorically been solo in front of a “tube”.

For best function the screen should be a high definition TV (HDTV) suchthat a user looking on side sees good detail and can walk over toanother side and also see good detail.

Following FIG. 13, another useful big screen design application in fullsize is to design a dress on a model. The use of the big screen, allowsmultiple people to interact easily with the task, and allows a person togrip portion of the prototype dress on the screen, and move it elsewhere(in this case finger tips as targets would be useful). It also allowsnormal dress tools to be used such as targeted knife or scissors.

FIG. 13

Illustrated is clothing design using finger touch and targeted material.The invention is useful in this application both as a multi-degree offreedom input aide to CAD as disclosed elsewhere herein, and for thevery real requirement to establish the parameters of a particularsubject (a customer, or representative “average” customer, typically) orto finalize a particular style prototype.

A particular example is herein shown with respect to design of women'sdresses, lingerie and the like, where the fit around the breasts isparticularly difficult to achieve. As shown, the invention can beemployed in several ways.

First, the object, in this case a human or manikin, with or withoutclothes, can be digitized, for the purpose of planning initial cuttingor sewing of the material. This is accomplished using the inventionusing a simple laser pointer. It is believed that some similar ideashave been developed elsewhere, using projection grids, light stripes orthe like. However, the digitization of the object can be accomplished atvery low cost as described below using the multicamera stereo visionembodiment of the invention.

Secondly, the cloth itself can be targeted, and the multicamera stereoacquired target data before tryout and/or the distorted data (such asposition, location or shape) after tryout determined, and modificationsmade, using this data to assist in modifying the instant material orsubsequent material desired.

Third, one can use the ability of the invention to contour and designateaction on objects in real time to advantage. For example, considerfashion model 1301 wearing dress 1302 that let us say doesn't fit quiteright in the breast area 1303. To help fix this problem, she (or someoneelse, alternatively) can, using her targeted finger 1310, rub her fingeron the material where she wishes to instruct the computer 1315,connected to stereo camera 1316 (including light sources as required),either of her own shape (which could also have been done without clotheson) relative to the shape of the material on her, or, the shape—or lackof shape—she thinks it should be (the lack of shape, illustrated forexample to be solved by eliminating a fold, or crease, or bunching up ofthe dress material). Data from multiple sequential points can be takenas she rubs her finger over herself, obtaining her finger coordinatesvia the invention and digitizing the shape in the area in question alongthe path traveled.

Such instruction to the computer can for example be by voice recording(for later analysis, for example) or even instant automatic voicerecognition. In addition, or alternatively, it can be via some movementsuch as a hand movement indication she makes which can carry pre-storedand user programmable or teachable meaning to the computer (describedalso in FIG. 7 above and elsewhere herein). For example moving herfinger 1310 up and down in the air, may be sensed by the camera anddiscerned as a signal of letting out material vertically. A horizontalwave, would be to do it horizontally. Alternatively she might hold anobject with a target on her other hand, and use it provide a meaning. Asfurther disclosed in FIG. 6, she can make other movements which can beof use as well. By pinching her fingers, which could be targeted forease of viewing and recognition, she could indicate taking up material(note she can even pinch the material of a prototype dress just as shewould in real life).

It is noted that the model could alternatively point a laser pointersuch as 1320 with spot 1321 at the point on herself needed, the 3Dcoordinates of the laser designated being determined by the stereocameras imaging the laser spot. This too can be with a scanning motionof the laser to obtain multiple points. Other zones than round spots canbe projected as well, such as lines formed with a cylinder lens. Thisallows a sequence of data points to be obtained from a highly curvedarea without moving the laser, which can cause motion error.Alternatively, she could use a targeted object, such as a scissors orruler to touch herself with, not just her finger, but this not asphysically intuitive as ones own touch.

A microphone 1340 may be used to pick up the models voice instructionfor the computer. Since instruction can be made by the actual modeltrying on the clothes, others need not be present. This saves labor toeffect the design or modification input, and perhaps in some cases isless embarrassing. Such devices might then be used in clothing storedressing rooms, to instruct minor modifications to other wise ready towear clothes desired for purchase.

In many applications, a laser pointer can have other uses as well inconjunction with the invention. In another clothes related example, adesigner can point at a portion of a model, or clothes on the model andthe system can determine where the point falls in space, or relative toother points on the model or clothes on the model (within the ability ofthe model to hold still). Additionally, or alternatively, the pointercan also be used to indicate to the computer system what area is in needof work, say by voice, or by the simple act of pointing, with the camerasystem picking up the pointing indication.

It is also noted that the pointer can project a small grid pattern(crossed lines, dot grid, etc.) or a line or a grille (parallel lines)on the object to allow multiple points in a local area of the object obe digitized by the camera system. Such local data, say in a portion ofthe breast area, is often all that is needed for the designer. This isillustrated by pointer projector 1350 projecting a dot grid pattern of5.times.5 or 25 equally spaced spots 1355 (before distortion in thecamera image caused by curvature of the object) on a portion of bra1360, with the spot images picked up by the stereo cameras over not toocurved areas is not too difficult. If the points cannot be machinematched in the two stereo camera images by the computer program, suchmatching can be done manually from a TV image of the zone. Note thatdifferent views can also be taken for example with the model turningslightly which can aid matching of points observed. Or alternatively,added cameras from different directions can be used to acquire points.

Note too the unique ability of the system to record in the computer oron a magnetic or other storage medium for example, a normal grayscalephotographic image, as well as the triangulated spot image. This ofconsiderable use, both in storing images of the fashion design (or lackthereof) as well as matching of stereo pairs and understanding of thefitting problem.

FIG. 14

FIG. 14 illustrates additional applications of alias objects such asthose of FIGS. 3 a-b, for purpose of planning visualization, buildingtoys, and inputs in general. As shown, a user, in this case a child,1401, desires to build a building with his blocks, such as 1410-1412(only a few of his set illustrated for clarity). He begins to place hisblocks in front of camera or cameras of the invention such as cameras1420 and 1421 which obtain stereo pair of images of points on his blockswhich may be easily identified such as corners, dot markings, such asthose shown, (which might be on all sides of the blocks) etc, anddesirably are retro-reflective or otherwise of high contrast.Rectangular colored targets on rectangular blocks is a pleasingcombination.

As he sequentially places his blocks to build his building, images of abuilding can be made to appear via software running in computer 1440,based on inputs from cameras 1420 and 1421 shown here located on eitherside of TV screen 1430. These images such as 1450, can be in any stateof construction, and can be any building, e.g. the Empire Statebuilding, or a computer generated model of a building. Or by changingsoftware concerning the relevant images to be called up or generated, hecould be building a ship, a rocket, or whatever.

Similarly, such an arrangement of plurality of objects can be used forother purposes, such as for physical planning models in 3D as opposed totoday's computer generated PERT charts, Gant charts, and organizationcharts in 2D. Each physical object, such as the blocks above, can becoded with its function, which itself can be programmable or selectableby the user. For example, some blocks can be bigger or of differentshape or other characteristic in the computer representation, even if inactuality they are the same or only slightly different for ease of use,or cost reasons, say. The target on the block can optically indicate tothe computer what kind of block it is.

Another application would be plant layout, where each individual blockobject could be a different machine, and could even be changed insoftware as to which machine was which. is. In addition, some blockscould for example, in the computer represent machine tools, othersrobots, and so on.

FIGS. 15 a-b

FIGS. 15 a-b illustrate a sword play video game of the invention usingone or more life-size projection screens. While large screens aren'tneeded to use the invention, the physical nature of the invention'sinput ability lends itself to same.

As shown, player 1501 holds sword 1502 having 3 targets 1503-1505 whoseposition in space is imaged by stereo camera photogrammetry system(single or dual camera) 1510, and retro-reflective IR illuminationsource 1511, so that the position and orientation of the sword can becomputed by computer 1520 as discussed above. The display, produced byoverhead projector 1525 connected to computer 1520 is a life size ornear life size HDTV projection TV image 1500 directly in front of theplayer 1501 and immersing him in the game, more so than in conventionalvideo games, as the image size is what one would expect in real life.

Let us now consider further how this invention can be used for gaming.In many games it desired both to change the view of the player withaspect to the room or other location to look for aliens or what haveyou. This is typical of “kick and punch” type games but many other gamesare possible as well. Regardless, the viewpoint is easily adapted hereby tuning the head and targeting the head has been shown and describedabove, and in copending applications by Tim Pryor.

This however begs an interesting question as to whether in turning thehead, one is actually looking away from the game, if the game is on asmall screen. This explains why a larger screen is perhaps desirable.But if one sits in front of a large screen, say 40″ diagonal or more,one may feel that a little joystick or mouse is much too small as themeans to engage computer representations of the opponents. However,using this invention one can simply have a targeted finger or an objectin one's hand that could be pointed for example. It is far more natural,especially with larger screens-which themselves give more lifelikerepresentations.

The whole game indeed may actually be on a human scale. With very largeprojection TV displays, the enemies or other interacting forces depictedon the screen can in fact be human size and can move around by virtue ofthe computer program control of the projection screen just the same asthey would have in life. This however makes it important, and is indeedpart of the fun of using the invention, to employ human size weaponsthat one might use including but not limited to one's own personallyowned weapons—targeted according to the invention if desired for ease ofdetermining their location. The opponents actions can be modeled in thecomputer to respond to those of the player detected with the invention.

A two or more player game can also be created where each player isrepresented by a computer modeled image on the screen, and the twoscreen representations fight or otherwise interact based on datagenerated concerning each players positions or objects positionscontrolled or maneuvered by the players. the same stereo camera systemcan if desired, be used to see both players if in the same room.

For example in the same, or alternatively in another game, the player1549 may use a toy pistol 1550 which is also viewed by Stereo camerasystem, 1510 in a similar manner to effect a “shootout at the OK corral”game of the invention. In this case the players hand 1575 or holster1520 and pistol 1585 may be targeted with one or more targets asdescribed in other embodiments and viewed by stereo camera (single ordual) system of the invention, as in the sword game above. On the screenin front of the player is a video display of the OK corral, (and/orother imagery related to the game) with “bad guys” such as representedby computer graphics generated image 1535, who may be caused by thecomputer game software to come in to view or leave the scene, orwhatever.

To play the game in one embodiment, the player draws his gun when a badguy draws his and shoots. His pointing (i.e. shooting) accuracy andtiming may be monitored by the target-based system of the invention thatcan determine the time at which his gun was aimed, and where it wasaimed (desirably using at least one or more targets or other features ofhis gun to determine pointing direction). This is compared in thecomputer 1520 with the time taken by the bad guy drawing, to determinewho was the winner—if desired, both in terms of time, and accuracy ofaiming of the player.

An added feature is the ability of a TV camera of the invention to take(using one of the cameras used for datum detection, or a separate camerasuch as 1580, a normal 2D color photograph or TV image 1588 of a playeror other person 1586, and via computer software, superpose it on orother wise use it to create via computer techniques, the image of one ofthe bad (or good) guys in the game! This adds a personal touch to theaction.

Transmission of gaming data, thanks to the transmission properties offiber cable, ISDN, the Internet or whatever, game opponents, objects andsuch an be in diverse physical places. On their screen they can see you,on your screen you would see them, with the computer then upon any sortof a hit changing their likeness to be injured or whatever.

FIG. 15 B illustrates on pistol 1585 a target indicator flag 1584 whichis activated to signal the TV camera or cameras 1510 observing thepistol orientation and position. When the trigger is pulled, the flagwith the target pops up indicating this event. Alternatively, a LED canbe energized to light (run by a battery in the toy) instead of the flagraising. Alternatively, a noise such as a “pop” can be made by the gun,which noise is picked up by a microphone 1521 whose signal is processedusing taught sounds and/or signature processing methods known in the artto recognize the sound and used to signal the computer 1520 to cause theprojected TV image 1500 to depict desired action imagery.

In one embodiment of the Shooting Game, just described, a bad guy, orenemy depicted on the screen can shoot back at the player, and if so,the player needs to duck the bullet. If the player doesn't duck (assensed by the TV camera computer input device of the invention,) then heis considered hit. The ducking reflex of the player to the gun beingvisibly and audibly fired on the screen is monitored by the camera thatcan look at datums on, or the natural features of, the player, in thelatter case for example, the center of mass of the head or the wholeupper torso moving from side to side to duck the bullet or downward.Alternatively, the computer TV camera combination can simply look at theposition, or changes in the position of the target datum's on theplayer. The center of mass in one embodiment can be determined by simplydetermining the centroid of pixels representing the head in the graylevel TV image of the player.

Its noted that both the sword and the pistol are typically pointed atthe screen, and since both objects are extensive in the direction ofpointing, the logical camera location is preferably to the side oroverhead—rather than on top or side of the screen, say. In addition,line targets aligned with the object axis, such as 1586 on pistol 1585are useful for accurately determining with a stereo camera pair thepointing direction of the object.

Where required, features or other data of the sword and pistoldescribed, or the user, or other objects used in the game, may be viewedwith different cameras 1590 and 1591 (also processed by computer 1520)in order that at any instant in the game, sufficient data on the sword(or pistol, or whatever) position and/or orientation can be determinedregardless of any obscuration of the targets or other effects whichwould render targets invisible in a particular camera view. Preferably,the computer program controlling the sensors of the game or otheractivity, chooses the best views, using the targets available.

In this case illustrated, it is assumed that target location withrespect to the data base of the sword is known, such that a singlecamera photogrammetry solution as illustrated in FIG. 1 b can be used ifdesired. Each camera acquires at least 3 point targets (or other targetssuch as triangles allowing a 3D solution) in its field, and solves forthe position and orientation using those three, combined with the objectdata base. In one control scheme, Camera 1590 is chosen as the master,and only if it cant get an answer is camera 1591 data utilized. Ifneither can see at least 3 targets, then data from each camera as totarget locations is combined to jointly determine the solution (e.g. 2targets from each camera).

The primary mode of operation of the system could alternatively be tocombine data from two cameras at all times. Often the location of choiceis to the side or overhead, since most games are played more or lessfacing the screen with objects that extend in the direction to thescreen (and often as result are pointed at the screen). For many sportshowever, camera location looking outward from the screen is desired dueto the fact that datums maybe on the person or an object. In some casescameras may be required in all 3 locations to assure an adequate feed ofposition or orientation data to computer 1520.

The invention benefits from having more than 3 targets on an object in afield, to provide a degree of redundancy. In this case, the targetsshould desirably be individually identifiable either due to their color,shape or other characteristic, or because of their location with respectto easily identifiable features of the sword object.

Alternatively, one can use single targets of known shape and size suchas triangles which allow one to use all the pixel points along an edgeto calculate the line—thus providing redundancy if some of the line isobscured.

Note that one can use the simple tracking capability of the invention toobtain the coordinates of a target on a user in a room with respect tothe audio system and, if desired also with respect to other room objectsinfluencing sound reverberation and attenuation. This coordinate canthen be used by a control computer not shown for the purpose ofcontrolling a audio system to direct sound from speakers to the user.Control of phase and amplitude of emission of sound energy. While asingle target on a hat can be simply detected ad determined in its 3Dlocation by the two or more camera stereo imaging and analysis system ofthe invention, natural features of the use could alternatively, or inaddition be used, such as determining from the gray level image detectedby the TV camera of FIGS. 1 a-e say, the users head location. As pointedout elsewhere, the target can be on the body, and the head can be foundknowing the target location—to simplify identification of the head in anoverall image of a complex room scene, say.

Besides control of audio sound projection, such coordinate data can alsobe used to control the screen display, to allow stored images to bedirected in such a way as to best suit a use in a given part of a room,for example using directional 3D projection techniques. If user headangle as well is determined, then the viewpoint of the display can befurther controlled therefrom.

Data Transmission

Programs used with the invention can be downloaded from a variety ofsources.

For example:

Disc or other storage media packed with a object such as a toy,preferably one with easily discernable target features, sold for use bythe invention.

From remote sources, say over the internet, for example the web site ofa sponsor of a certain activity. For example daily downloads of new cardriving games could come from a car company's web site.

A partner in an activity, typically connected by phone modem orinternet, could not only exchange game software for example, but therequisite drivers to allow ones local game to be commanded by data fromthe partners activity over the communication link.

One of the interesting aspects of the invention is to obtaininstructions for the computer controlling the game (or other activitybeing engaged in) using the input of the invention, from remote sourcessuch as over the Internet. For example, let us say that General Motorswanted to sponsor the car game of the day played with a toy car that onemight purchase at the local Toys-R-Us store and with its basic dashboardand steering wheel brake panel accelerator, gear lever, etc. All devicesthat can easily be targeted inputted via the video camera of theinvention of FIG. 4.

Today such a game would be simply purchased perhaps along with thedashboard kit and the first initial software on DVD or CD ROM. In factthose mediums could typically hold perhaps ten games and DVD ofdifferent types. For example, in the GM case, one day it could be aBuick and the next day a Corvette and so on with the TV view part ofthis screen changing accordingly.

Remote transmission methods of the Internet, ISDN, fiber links dedicatedor shared or otherwise are all possible and very appealing using theinvention. This is true in many things, but in this case particularlysince the actual data gathered could be reduced to small amounts oftransmitted data.

The stereo photogrammetric activity at the point of actual determinationcan be used directly to feed data to the communications media.Orientation and position of objects or multiple points on objects or thelike can be transmitted with very little bandwidth, much less difficultthan having to transmit the complete image. In fact, one can transmitthe image using the same cameras and hen use the computer at the otherend to change the image in response to the data transferred, at leastover some degree of change. This is particularly true if one transmits aprior set of images that corresponds to different positions. Theseimages can be used at any time in the future to play the game by simplycalling them up form the transmitted datum's.

Similar to the playing function of FIGS. 5 a-c, 15 a-b etc, there isalso a teaching function, as was discussed relative to medicalsimulations in FIGS. 8 a-f. The invention is for example, also useful inthe teaching of ballet, karate, dance and the like. The positions andorientation of portions of the ballerina or her clothes can bedetermined busing the invention, and compared to computer modeledactivity of famous ballerinas for example. Or in a more simple case, amotion of the student, can be used to call TV images from memory bankwhich were taken of famous ballerinas doing the same move—r of herinstructor. And, given the remote transmission capability, herinstructor may be in another country. This allows at least reconstructedmotion at the other end using a very small amount of transmitted data,much the same as we would reconstruct the motion of a player in thegame.

While this doesn't answer the question of how the instructor in theballet studio actually holds the student on occasion but it does helpthe student to get some of the movement correct. It also allows one tooverlay visually or mathematically, the movements of the studentgenerated, which have now been digitized in three dimensions, on thedigitized three dimensional representation of famous ballerinas makingthe same basic moves, such as pas-de-chat. This allows a degree ofself-teach capability, since clearly one might wish to look at the movesof perhaps three or four noted ballerinas and compare.

The invention thus can use to advantage 3D motion done at very low costin the home or in a small time ballet studio but nonetheless linkedthrough CD ROM, the Internet or other media to the world's greatestteachers or performers. What holds true for ballet generally would alsohold true for any of the sports, artistic or otherwise that are taughtin such a manner. These can particularly include figure skating, golf orother sports that have to do with the moves of the person themselves.

One can use the invention to go beyond that, to the moves of the personthemselves relative to other persons. This is particularly discussed inthe aforementioned co-pending application relative to soccer and hockey,particularly relative to hose sports that have goaltenders against whomone is trying to score a goal. Or conversely, if you're the goaltender,learning defense moves against other teams that are trying to score onyou. In each one could have a world famous goalie instructing, just asin the ballet above, or one could have world famous forwards actingagainst you.

This is a very exciting thing in that you get to play the “best”, usingthe invention. These can even be using excerpts from famous games likethe Stanley Cup, World Cup and so on Like the other examples above, theuse of 3D stereo displays for games, for sports, for ballet or otherinstruction, is very useful, even if it requires wearing well knownstereo visualization aids such as TV frame controlled LCD based orpolarized glasses. However a lot of these displays are dramatic even intwo dimensions on a large screen.

Let us now consider how the game would work with two players in the sameroom with play either would be with respect to themselves or withrespect to others.

Where there are cases of coordinated movements for the same purpose asin figure skating, ballet and the like, most of such games are oneperson relative to the other, sensing sword play, pistol duels, karate,and so on. In what mode does this particularly connect with theinvention?

In FIGS. 5 a-c above we've illustrated the idea of two children playingan airplane game. In this case, they are playing with respect tothemselves. But not necessarily directly, but rather indirectly byviewing the results of their actions on the screen, and it is on thescreen that the actual event of their interaction takes place. Inaddition it should be noted that a single player can hold an airplane ineach hand and stage the dogfight himself.

In the case shown it was an airplane dogfight, one with respect to theother. Although as discussed, one can using the invention, by simplychanging ones command cues, by movements, gestures or another modedesired, change it from an airplane to a ship, or even change it fromairplanes to lions and tigers. It is determined in the software and thesupport structure around the software.

The actual movements of the person or objects are still determined andstill come into play. There are differences though of course because inthe case of lions and tigers, one might wish to definitely target themouth so that you could open your jaws and eat the other person orwhatever one does.

The targeting of a beak outline was illustrated in the Big Bird Internetpuppet example of FIGS. 5 a-c. Curvilinear or Line targets areparticularly useful for some of these as opposed to point targets. Suchtargets are readily available using retro-reflective beading as iscommonly found today on some athletic shoes, shirts, or jackets, for thepurpose reflecting at night.

The use of co-located two players, one versus the other, but through themedium of the screen, is somewhat different. But if the screen is largeenough it gives the ability to be real. In other words, the player onthe screen is so large and so proportional, that it takes over the factthat the player in the room with you is not a real one(s), but ratherhis representation on the screen. Any sort of game can be done this waywhere the sensed instruments are pistols, swords and the like.

In many cases the object locations and orientations sensed are simplythe objects relative to the camera system. But often times, what isdesired is the relative position of either the people or the object ashas been discussed in referenced US Patent applications by Tim Pryor.

Now described is a teaching embodiment of the invention also for useremotely over the Internet or otherwise in which ballet instruction isgiven, or architecture is taught or accomplished. The teaching sessioncan be stored locally or transmitted over a computer link such as theInternet. Karate or dance for example can be taught over the Internet.Targets if required, can be attached to arms, hands, legs, or otherparts of the body. The user's body part paths can be tracked in space intime by one or more camera systems. The video can be analyzed inreal-time or can be recorded and later analyzed.

The TV image data can ultimately even be converted to “Quant” datarepresenting sequences of motion detected by the camera system forcompact data transmission and storage. In this case, the specific pathdata could be recognized as a specific karate thrust, say. This motiontogether with its beginning and end locations and orientation may beadequate for an automatic system. On the other hand, a two-way Internetconnection would allow the instructors move to be compared with that ofthe student. By reducing the data to Quant data the instructors andstudents size differences could be factored out.

The invention can be used to determine position and orientation ofeveryday objects for training and other purposes. Consider that positionand orientation of a knife and fork in ones hands can be detected anddisplayed or recorded, if target datum's are visible to the camerasystem, either natural (e.g. a fork tip end) or artificial, such aretro-reflective dot stuck on. This allows one to teach proper use ofthese tools, and for that matter any tools, such as wrenches, hammers,etc. indeed any apparatus that can be held in the hands (or otherwise).The position too of the apparatus held with respect to the hands orother portions of the body for other bodies maybe determined as well.

This comes into clear focus relative to the teaching of dentists andphysicians, especially surgeons. Scalpels, drills, and the like may allbe targeted or other wise provided with natural features such as holes,slots, and edges which can work with the invention.

In the military such training aids are of considerable use, and becomeas well an aid to inspiring young recruits, for whom the TV display andvideo game aspect can render perhaps a dull task, fun. The properergonomic way to dig a foxhole, hold a rifle, could be taught this way,just as one could instruct an autoworker on an assembly line installinga battery in a car.

FIG. 16

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the invention suitable for use onairplanes and other tight quarters. A computer having an LCD screen1610, which can attached if desired to the back of seat ahead 1605 (orto any other convenient member), has on either side of the screen, nearthe top, two video cameras 1615 and 1616 of the invention, which viewworkspace on and above the tray table folding down from the seat ahead.The user communicates with the computer using a microphone (for bestreception a headset type not shown, connected to the computer) whichconverts voice to letters and words using known voice recognitiontechniques. For movement of words, paragraphs, and portions ofdocuments, including spread sheet cells and the like, the user may usethe invention.

In the form shown, he can use a variety of objects as has been discussedabove. For simplicity, consider battery powered LED 1620 on his finger,1625, which emits at a narrow wavelength region which is passed by bandpass filters (not shown for clarity) on the front of cameras 1616 and1615, respectively. Since a full 3 degree of freedom location of thefinger LED is possible, movement off the table of the finger (whichother wise becomes a sort of mouse pad, or touch pad in 2 Axes) can beused to optionally signal the program to perform other functions. Or ifthere are 3D graphics to interact with, it can be of great utility forthem. Indeed, other fingers, or of the other hand can also contain LEDtargets which allow many functions described herein to be performed inup to 6 axes.

One can also place a normal keyboard such as 1650 interfaced to thecomputer (built into the back of the led display for example) on thetray table (or other surface), and use the led equipped finger(s) totype normally. But a wide variety of added functions can again beperformed., by signaling the computer with the LED targets picked up bythe video cameras. There can be movement gestures to signal certainwindows to open for example. Other functions are:

1. Pointing with finger with target and 3 points on wrist at icon orother detail depicted on screen.

2. Extend values out of chart in 3.sup.rd dimension by pulling withtargeted fingers in the manner described in FIG. 6.

3. Solid icons can be placed on the tray table and detected, in thiscase each having a small led or LEDs and battery. These can be moved onthe table to connote meaning to the computer, such as the position ofspread sheet cells or work blocks in pert chart, and the like.

4. Use cameras to detect position of laser spot on an object on the trayilluminated by a laser pointer held in the hand of the user (preferablythe laser wavelength and led wavelength would be similar to allow bothto pass the bandpass filters.).

5. Its noted the screen could be larger than otherwise used for laptopcomputers, since it is all out of the way on the back of the seat (or ata regular desk, can stand up with folding legs for example). The wholecomputer can be built into the back of the device (and is thus not shownhere for clarity).

6. A storage space for targeted objects used with the invention can bebuild into the screen/computer combination or carried in a carryingcase. Attachments such as targets for attachment to fingers can also becarried.

7. Its noted that for desk use the invention allows human interactionwith much larger screens than would normally be practical. For exampleif the screen is built into the desktop itself (say tilted at 45% like adrafting board), the user can grab/grip/pinch objects on the screenusing the invention, and move them rotate them or other wise modifytheir shape, location or size for example using natural learned skillsIndeed a file folder can be represented literally as a file folder ofnormal size, and documents pulled out by grabbing them. This sort ofthing works best with high resolution displays capable of the detailrequired.

FIG. 16 has illustrated an embodiment of the invention having a mouseand/or keyboard of the conventional variety combined with a target ofthe invention on the user to give an enhanced capability even to aconventional word processing or spreadsheet, or other program.

For example consider someone whose interest is developing a spreadsheetprediction for company profit and loss. Today this is done exclusivelyusing a keyboard to type in data, and a mouse (typically) to direct thecomputer to different cells, pull down window choices and the like.

This job is generally satisfactory, but leads to carpal tunnel syndromeand other health problems and is somewhat slow-requiring typing or mousemovements that can overshoot, stick and the like.

Voice recognition can clearly be used to replace the typing, and gesturesensing according to the invention including specialized gestures ormovements such as shown in FIGS. 5 a-c can be used to improverecognition of voice inputs by the computer system.

But what else is possible? Clearly one can use the touch screenindicator aspect to point directly at objects on the screen. Forexample, consider a user such as in FIG. 12 may seated in front of alarge high definition display screen on a wall or tilted 45 degrees asat a writing desk. The user can either touch (or near touch) the screenas in FIG. 12 or he can point at the screen with his finger targetedwith retro-reflective scotch-lite glass bead target and the pointingdirection calculated using the 3 target set on top of his wrist as inFIG. 1 b. The screens' datum's are known, for example fourretro-reflective plastic reflector points at the corners 1270-1273 asshown. As elsewhere discussed, projected targets on the screen can alsobe used to establish screen locations—even individually with respect tocertain information blocks if desired. A Stereo camera pair senses thepositions of wrist and finger, and directs the computer and TV projector(not shown) to follow the wishes of the user at the point in question.The user may use his other hand or head if suitably targeted or havingsuitable natural features, to indicate commands to the camera computersystem as well.

Of interest is that the display can be in 3D using suitable LCD or otherglasses to provide the stereo effect. This allows one to pull the valuesout of the excel chart and make them extendable in another dimension.One can pull them out, so to speak by using for example as shown in FIG.6, using two targeted fingers (e.g. targeted thumb and targeted fingerand grab or pinch and pull the object in the cell. In a word processorthe word on the page can be so grabbed.

On can use this effect to work backward form a 3D bar graph created bythe spread sheet program i.e. to press on the individual bars until theform of the data shown meets ones goals, by pressing as in a repeatedfinger motion downward, the program changes the data in certain cellscenarios (e.g. sales, expenses, profits, etc.).

In another example, transparent targeted blocks may be moved over thetop of transparent rear projection screen. The blocks can also extend inheight above the screen by a variable amount. Data can be inputted bythe computer screen, but also by varying the block height. The height isthen encoded into the screen projection to change the color or anotherparameter.

In the factory layout example of FIG. 14 above, if blocks aretranslucent and placed on a screen, the colors, written description, orpictorial description (e.g. a lathe, or a mill) of screen, with thetarget data on the block tracked and fed to the TV projection source.Such an arrangement might be useful for other complex tasks, also inreal time, as in Air traffic control.

Other target arrangements sufficient to determine pointing direction canalso be used. This pointing method can also be used to point atanything—not just screens. It is especially useful with voice commandsto tell the pointed item to do something. It is also of use to cue theprojection system of the TV image to light up the pointed area orotherwise indicate where pointing is taking place.

For giving presentations to a group, the invention can operate inreverse from a normal presentation computer—that is the person standinggiving the presentation can point at the screen where the information isdisplayed, and what he pointed at, grasped, or what ever recorded by thecameras of the invention into the computer.

It is further noted that a laser pointer can be targeted and used forthe purpose.

FIG. 17

This embodiment illustrates the versatility of the invention, for bothcomputer input, and music. As shown in FIG. 17A, a two camera stereopair 1701 and 1702 connected to computer 1704 such as mentioned abovefor use in games, toys and the like can also be used to actually readkey locations on keyboards, such as those of a piano or typewriter. Asshown, letters or in the piano case, musical note keys such as 1708 withretro target 1720 on their rear, beneath the keyboard, are observed withthe camera set 1701. A Z axis movement gives the key hit (and how much,if desired—assuming elastic or other deformation in response to inputfunction by player finger 1710), while the x (and y if a black key,whose target is displaced for example) location of the key tells whichletter or note it is. Speakers 1703 and 1705 provide the music from aMIDI computer digital to speaker audio translation.

For highest speed and resolution, useful with long keyboards, and wherethe objects to be observed are in a row (in this case the keys), the twocameras are in this instance composed of 2048 element Reticon linearrays operating at 10,000 readings per second. Specialized DSPprocessors to determine the stereo match and coordinates may be requiredat these speeds, since many keys can be pressed at once.

Alternatively, the piano players finger tips as disclosed in previousembodiments can be imaged from above the keyboard (preferably withretroreflective targets for highest speed and resolution) to createknowledge of his finger positions. This when coupled with knowledge ofthe keyboard data base allows one to determine what key is being struckdue to the z axis motion of the finger.

FIG. 18

Virtual musical instruments are another music creation embodiment of theinvention. A dummy violin surrogate such as 1820 in FIG. 18 can beprovided which is played on bowstrings real or dummies by a bow 1825also real or dummies The position of the bow, vis a vis the dummy violinbody 1820 proper, and the position of the fingers 1840 (which may betargeted) gives the answer as to what music to synthesize from thecomputer. It is envisioned that the easiest way to operate is to useretro-reflecting datums such as dot or line targets on all of the bow,violin, and fingers, such as 1830, 1831, 1832, and 1833, viewed withstereo camera system 1850 connected to computer 1858 and one or moreloudspeakers 1875.

Frequency response is generally enough at 30 frames per second typicalof standard television cameras to register the information desired, andinterpolation can be used if necessary between registered positions (ofsay the bow). This may not be enough to provide full timber of theinstrument however. One can use faster cameras such as the line arraysmentioned above (if usable), PSD cameras as in FIG. 22 and/or techniquesbelow to provide a more desirable output.

The input from the targeted human, or musical instrument part (e.g. keyor bow or drumstick) may cause via the computer the output be more thana note, for example a synthesized sequence of notes or chords—in thismanner one would play the instrument only in a simulated sense—with thecomputer synthesized music filling in the blanks so to speak.

Similarly a display such as 1860 may be provided of the player playingthe simulated instrument, may use the data of positions of his hands ina few positions, and interpret between them, or call from memory moreelaborate moves either taught or from a library of moves, so that thedisplay looks realistic for the music played (which may be alsosynthesized) as noted above.

The display fill in is especially easy if a computer model of the playeris used, which can be varied with the position data determined with theinvention.

FIG. 19

FIG. 19 illustrates a method for entering data into a CAD system used tosculpt a car body surface, in which a physical toy car surrogate for areal car model, 1910, representing for example the car to be designed orsculpted, is held in a designers left hand 1902, and sculpting tool 1905in his right hand 1906. Both car and tool are sensed in up to 6 degreesof freedom each by the stereo camera system of the invention,represented by 1912 and 1913, (connected to a computer not shown used toprocess the camera data, enter data into the design program, and drivethe display 1915). The objects are equipped with special target datumsin this example, such as 1920-1922 on car 1910, and 1925-1927 onsculpting tool 1905. A display of a car to be designed on the screen ismodified by the action of the computer program responding to positionsdetected by the camera system of the sculpting tool 1905 with respect tothe toy car, as the tool is rubbed over the surface of the toy carsurrogate.

One can work the virtual model in the computer with tools of differentshapes. Illustrated are two tools 1930 and 1931, in holder 1940 of alikely plurality, either of which can be picked up by the designer touse. Each has a distinctive shape by which to work the object, and theshape is known to the design system. The location of the shaped portionis also known with respect to the target datum's on the tools such as1950-1952. As the tool is moved in space, the shape that it would remove(or alternatively add, if a build up mode is desired) is removed fromthe car design in the computer. The depth of cut can be adjusted bysignaling the computer the amount desired on each pass. The tool can beused in a mode to take nothing off the toy, or if the toy was of clay orcoated in some way, it could actually remove material to give an evenmore lifelike feel.

Three targets are shown, representatively on tool 1930, with three moreoptionally on the other side for use if the tool becomes rotated withrespect to the cameras. Each tool has a code such as 1960 and 1961 thatalso indicates what tool it is, and allows the computer to call up frommemory, the material modification effected by the tool. This code can bein addition to the target datum's, or one or more of the datum's caninclude the code.

FIG. 20

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the invention used for patientmonitoring in the home, or hospital. A group of retro-reflective targetssuch as 2021, 2030, and 2040 are placed on the body of the person 2045and are located in space relative to the camera system, (and if desiredrelative to the bed 2035 which also may include target 2036 to aid itslocation), and dynamically monitored and tracked by stereo camera system2020 composed of a pair of VLSI Vision 1000.times.1000 CMOS detectorarrays and suitable lenses.

For example, target 2021 on chest cavity 2022 indicates whether thepatient is breathing, as it goes up and down. This can be seen bycomparison of target location in sequential images, or even just targetblur (in the direction of chest expansion) if the camera is set tointegrate over a few seconds of patient activity.

Target 2030 on the arm, as one example of what might be many, ismonitored to indicate whether the patient is outside a perimeterdesired, such as the bed 2035. If so, computer, 2080 is programmed tosound an alarm 2015 or provide another function, for example alerting aremote caregiver who can come in to assist. Microphone, such as 2016 mayalso be interfaced to the computer to provide a listening function, andto signal when help his needed.

Also illustrated is an additional target or targets another portions ofthe chest or body, such as 2040, so that if the patient while asleep orotherwise covers one with his arm, the other can be sensed to determinethe same information.

Also disclosed, is like figure above, the conversion of a variable ofthe patient, in this case blood pressure, into a target position thatcan be monitored as well. Pressure in manometer 2050 causes a targetedindicator 2060 (monitored by an additional camera 2070 shown mounted tothe end of the bed and achieving higher resolution if desired) to riseand fall, which indicates pulse as well.

While described here for patients, the same holds true for babies incribs, and the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), bymonitoring rise and fall of their chest during sleep, and to assure theyare not climbing out of the crib or the like.

FIG. 21

Following from the above, a simple embodiment of the invention may beused to monitor and amuse toddlers and preschool age children. Forexample in the FIGS. 1 a-e embodiment a Compaq 166 MHz Pentium computer8, with Compaq 2D color TV camera 10, was used, together with an Intelframe grabber and processor card to grab and store the images forprocessing in the Pentium computer. This could see small retro targetson a doll or toddlers hands, with suitable LED lighting near the cameraaxis. The toddler is seated in a high chair or walking around at adistance for example of several feet from the camera mounted on top ofthe TV monitor. As the toddler moves his hands, or moves the dollshands, alternatively) an object such as a doll image or a the modeledcomputer graphics image of clown, let us say could move up and down orside to side on the screen. (in the simple version of FIGS. 1 a-e, onlyx and y motions of the toddler body parts or doll features areobtainable.) For comfort and effect, the image of the clown can also betaken or imported from other sources, for example a picture of thechild's father.

As the child gets older, single or dual camera stereo of the inventioncan be used to increase the complexity with which the child can interactto 3, 4, 5, or 6 degrees of freedom with increasing sophistication inthe game or learning experience.

Other applications of the invention are also possible. For example thetoddler can be “watched” by the same TV camera periodically on alternateTV frames, with the image transmitted elsewhere so his mother knows whathe is doing.

His movements indicate as well what he is doing and can be used asanother monitoring means. For example, if he is running or moving at toogreat a velocity, the computer can determine this by a rate of change ofposition of coordinates, or by observing certain sequences of motionindicative of the motion desired to monitor. Similarly, and like thepatient example above, if the coordinates monitored exceed a presetallowable area (e.g. a play space), a signal can be indicated by thecomputer.

The device also useful for amusement and learning purposes. Thetoddler's wrists or other features can be targeted, and when he claps, aclapping sound generated by the computer in proportion, or by differentcharacteristics or the like. The computers can be programmed using knownalgorithms and hardware talk to him, and tell him to do things, andmonitor what he did, making a game out of it if desired. It also can aidlearning, giving him visual feedback and audio and verbal appreciationof a good answer, score and the like.

Similarly, we believe the invention can be used to aid learning andmental development in very young children and infants by relatinggestures of hands and other bodily portions or objects such as rattlesheld by the child, to music and/or visual experiences.

Let us consider the apparatus and method of FIG. 21 where we seek toachieve the advantageous play and viewing activity, but also to improvethe learning of young children through the use of games, musicaltraining and visual training provided by the invention—in the case shownhere starting with children in their crib where they move from therattle to mobile to busy box (i.e., standing in crib) stage, theinvention providing enhanced versions thereof and new toys made possiblethrough LCD display attached to the crib and the like. The second issueis what sorts of new types of learning experiences can be generated thatcombine music, graphics and other things.

Consider FIG. 21, wherein an LCD TV display 2101 is attached to the endof crib 2102, in which baby 2105 is laying, placed so baby can see it.This display could be used to display for example a picture of thechild's parents or pets in the home, or other desired imagery which canrespond both visually and audibly to inputs from the baby sensed withthe apparatus of FIGS. 1 a-e, or other apparatus of the invention. Theseare then used to help illustrate the learning functions. The camerasystem, such as stereo pair, 2110 and 2115 are located as shown on theedges of the LCD screen or elsewhere as desired, and both are operatedby the computer 2135. Notice that the design with the cameras integratedcan be that of the lap top FIG. 22 application as well.

The baby's hands, fingers, head, feet or any other desired portion canbe targeted, on his clothes or directly attached. Or natural featurescan be used if only simple actions such as moving a hand or head areneeded (all possible today with low cost computer equipment suitable forthe home). And importantly, the baby can easily hold a targeted rattlesuch as 2130 having target datums 2152 and 2153 at the ends (whose soundmay be generated from the computer speaker 2140 instead, and beprogrammably changed from time to time, or react to his input) and hemay easily touch as today a targeted mobile in the crib as well, or anyother object such as a stuffed animal, block or what ever.

In essence, the invention has allowed the baby to interact with thecomputer for the first time in a meaningful way that will improve hislearning ability, and IQ in future years. It is felt by the inventorsthat this is a major advance.

Some learning enhancements made possible are:

A computer recorded voice (with associated TV image if desired) of thechild's parents or siblings for example, calling the child's name, orsaying their names. Is responded to by the baby, and voice recognitionpicks up the child's response and uses it to cue some sort of activity.

This may not even be voice as we know it but the sounds made by a childeven in the early stages before it learns to talk. And it may stimulatehim to talk, given the right software.

The child can also move his hands or head and similar things can takeplace. For example, he can create music, or react to classical music (aknown learning improvement medium today) perhaps by keeping time, or tocue various visual cues such as artistic scenes or family and homescenes that he can relate to certain musical scores and the like.

The child can also use the computer to create art, by moving his hand,or the rattle or other object, and with some simple program, may be ableto call up stored images as well.

Another embodiment could have the child responding to stored images orsounds, for example from a DVD Disc read by the computer 2135, and sortof vote on the ones he liked, by responding with movement over a certainthreshold level, say a wiggle of his rattle. These images could later beplayed back in more detail if desired. And his inputs could be monitoredand used by professional diagnosis to determine further programs to helpthe child, or to diagnose if certain normal patterns were missing—thusperhaps identifying problems in children at a very early age to allowtreatment to begin sooner, or before it was too late.

The degree of baby excitement (amplitude and rate, etc. of rattle,wiggle, head arm movement).

Note that in an ultimate version, data directly taken from the child, asin FIG. 16 example, can be transmitted to a central learning center forassistance, diagnosis, or directly for interactivity of any desiredtype.

Therapy and Geriatrics

It is noted that an added benefit of the invention is that it can beused to aid mute and deaf persons who must speak with their hands. theinterpretation of sign language can be done by analyzing dynamic handand finger position and converting via a learning sequence or other wiseinto computer verbiage or speech.

It is also noted that the invention aids therapy in general, by relatingmotion of a portion of the body to a desired stimulus. (visual auditoryor physical touch) Indeed the same holds for exercise regimes of healthypersons.

And such activity made possible by the invention is useful for theelderly who may be confined to wheelchairs, unable to move certain partsof the body or the like. It allows them to use their brain to itsfullest, by communicating with the computer in a different way.

Alternatively, stroke victims and other patients may need the action ofthe computer imagery and audio in order to trigger responses in theiractivity to re train them—much like the child example above.

An interesting example too are elderly people who have played musicalinstruments but can no longer play due to physical limitations. Theinvention allows them to create music, by using some other part of theirbody, and by using if needed, a computer generated synthesis of chords,added notes or what ever, to make up for their inability to quickly makethe movements required.

OTHER APPLICATIONS OF THE INVENTION

One of the advantages of this invention is that all sorts of objects canbe registered in their function on the same camera system, operatingboth in single, dual or other stereo capabilities and all at low cost.This particular issue that the people, the objects, the whole stationaryplatform such as desk, floors, walls, al can be registered with the samegeneric principles, is a huge benefit of the application.

This means that the cost of writing the operating control softwaresuitable for a large number and variety of applications only has to bedone once. And similarly the way in which it operates, the way in whichthe people interact with it, only has to be learned once. Once one isfamiliar with one, one is almost familiar with all., and none need costmore than a few dollars or tens of dollars by itself in added cost.

The standard application aspect of the invention is important too fromthe point of view of sharing cost of development of hardware, software,target, material etc over the largest possible base of applications,such that production economies are maximized.

This is relatively the same as the situation today, where one uses amouse all the time, for every conceivable purpose. But the mouse itselfis not a natural object. One has to learn its function, and particularto each program, one may have to learn a different function. Whereas inthe invention herein described, it is felt by the inventors that allfunctions are more or less intuitive and natural; the teaching, thegames, the positioning of objects on a CAD screen. All these are justthe way one would do it in normal life. It is possible to see this whenone talks and how one uses one's hands to illustrate points or to holdobjects in position or whatever. Whatever you do with your hands, youcan do with this invention.

Speech Recognition.

One application of this actually to aid in speech recognition. Forexample, in Italy in particular, people speak with their hands. Theydon't speak only with their hands, but they certainly use hand signalsand other gestures to illustrate their points. This is not of coursejust true in Italian language, but the latter is certainly famous forit.

This invention allows one to directly sense these positions andmovements at low cost. What this may allow one to do then is utilize theknowledge of such gestures to act as an aid to speech recognition. Thisis particularly useful since many idiomatic forms of speech are not ableto be easily recognized but the gestures around them may yield clues totheir vocal solution.

For example, it is comprehended by the invention to encode the movementsof a gesture and compare that with either a well known library of handand other gestures taken from the populace as a whole or taught usingthe gestures of the person in question. The person would make thegesture in front of the camera, the movements and/or positions would berecorded, and he would record in memory, using voice or keyboard orboth, what the gesture meant—which could be used in future gesturerecognition, or voice recognition with accompanied gesture. A look uptable can be provided in the computer software, where one can look up ina matrix of gestures, including the confidence level therein, includingthe meaning, and then compare that to add to any sort of spoken wordmeaning that needs to be addressed.

Artifacts

One of the advantages of the invention is that there is a vast number ofartifacts that can be used to aid the invention to reliably and rapidlyacquire and determine the coordinates of the object datums at little orno additional cost relative to the camera/computer system. For examplewe discussed retro-reflective targets on fingers, belt buckles, and manyforms of jewelry, clothing and accessories (e.g. buttons) and the like.Many of these are decorative and objects such as this can easily bedesigned and constructed so that the target points represented areeasily visible by a TV camera, while at the same time being interpretedby human as being a normal part of the object and therefore unobtrusive.(see for example referenced Tim Pryor copending applications) Sometargets indeed can be invisible and viewed with lighting that isspecially provided such as ultraviolet or infrared.

Surrogates

An object, via the medium of software plus display screen and/or soundmay also take on a life as a surrogate for something else. For example,a simple toy car can be held in the hand to represent a car beingdesigned on the screen. Or the toy car could have been a rectangularblock of wood. Either would feel more or less like the car on the screenwould have felt, had it been the same size at least, but neither is theobject being designed in the computer and displayed on the screen.

Surrogates do not necessarily have to “feel right” to be useful, but itis an advantage of the invention for natural application by humans, thatthe object feel or touch can seem much like the object depicted on thescreen display even if it isn't the same.

Anticipatory Moves

The invention can sense dynamically, and the computer connected to thesensor can act on the data intelligently. Thus the sensing of datum's onobjects, targeted or not, can be done in a manner that optimizesfunction of the system.

For example if one senses that an object is rotating, and targets on oneside may likely recede from view, then one can access a data base of theobject, that indicates what targets are present on another side that canbe used instead.

Additional Points

It is noted that in this case, the word target or datum essentiallymeans a feature on the object or person for the purpose of theinvention. As has been pointed out in previous applications by TimPryor, these can either natural features of the object such asfingernails or fingertips, hands or so on or can be what is oftenpreferable, specialized datums put on especially to assist the functionof the invention. These can include typically contrasting type datum'sdue to high brightness retro-reflection or color variation with respectto its surroundings, and often further distinguished or alternativelydistinguished by some sort of pattern or shape.

Examples of patterns can include the patterns on cloth such as stripes,checks, and so on. For example the pointing direction of a person's armor sleeve having a striped cloth pointing along the length of the sleevewould be indicated by determining the 3D pointing direction of thestripes. This can easily be done using the edge detection algorithmswith a binocular stereo cameras here disclosed.

A useful shape can be a square, a triangle, or something not typicallyseen in the room, desktop, or other area that one would normally operatesuch that they stand out. Or even if a common shape, the combination ofthe shape with a specific color or brightness or both, often allowsrecognition.

It is appreciated that beyond the simple 2 dimensional versions asdescribed such as in figure one, many applications benefit from oreither depend on 3D operation. This is disclosed widely within theapplication as being desirably provided either from a single camera ortwo or more cameras operating to produce stereo imagery that can becombined to solve for the range distance Z. However, z dimension datacan also be generated, generally less preferably, by other means, suchas ultrasonics or radar, or laser triangulation if desired to effect thedesirable features of many of the applications described.

Another point to stress concerning the invention is the fact of theperformance of multiple functions. This allows it to be shared amongst alarge number of different users and different uses for the same user andwith a commonality as mentioned above of the teaching of it's function,the familiarity with it's use, and so forth.

One example of this is the use of a targeted hand which one moment isfor a game, the next moment it's for a CAD input, and the next it's formusic and whatever.

A key is the natural aspect of the invention, that it enables, at lowcost and high reliability the use of learned natural movements ofpersons—for work, for play, for therapy, for exercise—and a variety ofother work and safety uses here disclosed, and similar to thosedisclosed.

FIGS. 1 a to 3 b have illustrated several basic principles of opticallyaided computer inputs using single or dual/multicamera (stereo)photogrammetry. Illustrated are new forms of inputs to effect both thedesign and assembly of objects.

When one pick ups polygon object—TV image of object itself can beprocessed, or more likely special ID data on the object or incorporatedwith the target datum's can be accessed by the computer to recognize theobject, and call up the desired image—of the object, or of something itrepresents. Then as you move it, it moves—but you elaborate on computerrendition of it in due course given the users input and work, itgradually morphs to a car! (It could be a standard car instantly if thepolygon were told to the computer to be a car).

One can draw on the computer screen, on a pad of paper or easel, or inthe air with the invention. Computer instructions can come form allconventional sources, such as keyboards mice and voice recognitionsystems, but also from gestures and movement sequences for example usingthe TV camera sensing aspect of the invention.

Note that for example a targeted paint brush can instantly provide areal feeling way to use painting type programs. While painting itself isa 2D activity on the paper, the 3D sensing aspect of the invention isused to determine when the brush is applied to the paper, or lifted off,and in the case of pressing the brush down to spread the rush, the zaxis movement into the plane of the paper determines how much spreadingtakes place (paper plane defined as xy).

The 3D aspect is also used to allow the coordinate system to betransformed between the xyz as so defined, and the angulation of theeasel with respect to the camera system wherever it is placed typicallyoverhead, in front or to the side somewhere This freedom of placement isa major advantage of the invention, as is the freedom of choice of wheretargets are located on objects, thanks to the two camera stereo systemin particulars ability to solve all necessary photo grammetricequations.

Note too that the angle of the brush or a pen held in hand with respectto the z axis can also be used to instruct the computer, as can anymotion pattern of the brush either o the paper or waved in the air.

In CAD activities, the computer can be so instructed as to Parametricshape parameters such as % of circle and square. As with the brush, theheight in z may be used to control an object width for example.

Illustrated too are a computer aided design system (CAD) embodimentaccording to the invention which illustrates particularly theapplication of specialized sculpture tools with both single and twoalias object inputs, useful for design of automobiles, clothes and otherapplications.

Physical feel of object in each hand is unique, and combines feel withsight on screen—it feels like what it is shown to be, even if it isn'treally. Feel can be rigid, semi rigid, or indeed one can actually remove(or add) material from alias object.

Where two or more alias or surrogate objects according to the invention,for example for use in sculpture, whittling and other solid designpurposes with one, two, or more coordinated objects.

Illustrated were additional alias objects according to the invention,for example for use in sculpture, whittling and other solid designpurposes with one, two, or more coordinated objects.

The unique ability of the invention to easily create usable andphysically real alias objects results from the ease in creating targetedobjects which can be easily seen at high speed by low cost TV andcomputer equipment (high speed is here defined as greater than 3 framesper second say, and low cost is under $5000 for the complete systemincluding camera, light source(s), computer and display (multiple cameraversion somewhat higher).

The objects can be anything on which 3M Scotch light 7615 typeretro-reflective material can be placed, or other reflective or highcontrast material incorporated in to the surface of an object. You canstick them on fingers, toys or whatever, and can be easily removed ifdesired. With two (or more) camera stereo systems, no particular way ofputting them on is needed, one can solve photogrammetrically for any nonco-linear set of three to determine object position and orientation, andany one target can be found in x y and z.

The physical nature of the alias object, is a very important aspect ofthe invention. It feels like a real object, even though it's a simpletargeted block, one feels that it is a car, when you view the carrepresentation on the screen that the block position commands. Feelobject, look at screen, this is totally different than controlling anobject on a screen with a mouse.

Even more exciting and useful is the relative juxtaposition of twoobjects, with both on the screen.

For example, a child can affix special targets (using Velcro, tape,pins, or other means) on his favorite stuffed toys and then he can havethem play with each other, or even a third. Or two children can play,each with their own doll or stuffed animal. But on screen, they convertthe play into any kind of animal, including scenery (e.g. a barnyard).The animals can have voice added in some way, either by the computer, orby prerecorded sounds, or in real time via microphones. Via theinternet, new voice inputs or other game inputs can be downloaded atwill from assisting sites. And programs, and voice, and TV imagery canbe exchanged between users.

Computer imagery of the actual animal can be taken using the same TVcamera, recorded, and the 3D position determined during play, and theimage transformed into a 3D image, rotated or whatever.

The same argument of attaching targets to toys, applies to objects whichare the physical manifestations of learned skills:

a pencil to a draftsman;

a scissors, chalk, and rule to a dressmaker;

a brush to an artist;

an instrument or portion (e.g. a drumstick, a bow) to a musician;

a axe to a lumberjack;

a drill, hammer, or saw to a carpenter;

a pistol to a policeman or soldier;

a scalpel to a surgeon;

a drill to a dentist; and

and so on.

Each person can use a real, or alias object (e.g. a broomstick piece fora hammer) targeted as he chooses, in order to use the audio and visualcapabilities of computer generated activity of the invention. All aremore natural to him or her, than a mouse! In each case too, the objectto be worked on can also be sensed with the invention:

the cloth of the dress;

the paper (or easel/table) of the artist or draftsman;

the violin of the musician (along with the bow);

the log of the lumberjack;

the teeth or head of the dental patient; and

and so on . . .

The computer program, using the sensor input, can faithfully utilize theinput, or it can extrapolate from it. For example rather than playmiddle C, it can play a whole chord, or knowing the intended piece, playseveral of the notes in that piece that follow. Similarly, one can starta simulated incision with a scalpel, and actually continue it a distancealong the same path the student doctor started.

Sounds, Noise and Visual Cues

The cocking of a hammer on a toy pistol can act as a cue in many cases.A microphone connected to the computer can pick this up and analyze thesignature and determine that a gun may be fired. This can cause thevision analysis program looking at the TV image to look for the pistol,and to anticipate the shot. The sound of the gun, rather than a visualindicator, can alternatively be used to cue the displayed image data aswell. Two microphones if used, can be used to triangulate on the soundsource, and even tell the TV camera where to look.

In many cases sound and physical action are related. Sounds for examplecan be used to pick up a filing noise, to indicate that a alias objectwas actually being worked by a tool. The TV camera(s) can monitor theposition and orientation of each, but the actual contact registered bysound. Or contact could be just the physical proximity of one image toanother—however the sound is created by the actual physical contactwhich is more accurate, and more real to the user.

Signature Recognition

The invention can look for many signatures of object position andmovement—including complex sequences. This has been described in anothercontext relative to FIG. 7 for recognizing human gestures.

The recognition algorithm can be taught before hand using the positionor movement in question as an input, or it may be preprogrammed, torecognize data presented to it from a library, often specific togame/activity of interest.

Such recognition can also be used to Anticipate an action, For example,if a bow string or hand is moved directly back from a bow, recognitionis that one is Drawing a bow, and that an arrow may be ready to be shot.The computer can then command the screen display or sound generationspeakers to react (eyes, head move, person on screen runs away, etc).

Similarly, the actual action of releasing the bow can be sensed, and theprogram react to the move.

It is of use to consider some of what even the simplest version of theinvention, illustrated in FIG. 1 a, could accomplish? In the lowest costcase, This uses retroreflective glass bead tape, or jewelry on an objectto allow determination in x and y (plane perpendicular to camera axis)of for example:

1. position of one or more points on or portions of, or things to dowith, babies, game players, old persons, disabled, workers, homemakers,etc.

2. Determine position of object such as something representing positionor value of something else.

3. Determine location of a plurality of parts of the body, a body and anobject, two objects simultaneously, etc.

4. With additional software and datums, expand to FIG. 1 b version, andDetermine up to six dimensional degrees of freedom of object or of oneobject or more with respect to each other). Use Single camera but withtarget set having known relationships. (Single camera photogrammetry).

Today, costs involved to do the foregoing would appear to be a USBcamera and in the simplest case, no frame board; just right into thecomputer. This today could result in images being processed at maybe 10hertz or less. Simple thresh holding, probably color detection would allthat would be needed. More sophisticated shape, recognition and findingof complex things in the scene are not required in simple cases withlimited background noise, and are aided by use of the retroreflector orLED sources.

The only other equipment that would be needed in this scenario is thelighting unit that would surround the camera. Clearly this would besomewhat camera specific in terms of its attachment and so on. Manycameras, as it would appear that have been designed for internet.Cameras and lighting as needed could be built right into the TV displayunits.

In the simplest case, there would be simply one target and one only.This would allow a simple TV camera to give 2D pointposition—essentially be a 2D mouse in space (except that absoluteposition of the point relative to the camera can be determined—the mouseof today is incremental from its starting point).

Some Applications:

1. Direct mouse replacement. The mouse today is in 2D and so is this.Generally speaking, depending on where the camera is, this is either thesame two dimensions, that is looking down at the work space, or the twodimensions are in another plane.

2. Indeed one could apply a single target capable of being sensed by theTV camera of the invention on the ordinary mouse (or joystick or otherinput) of today. This could give more degrees of freedom of information,such as angles or movement off the mouse table surface (z direction).For example, a 3D input device can be produced since the camera wouldprovide XZ (z perpendicular to plane of surface) and the mouse wouldprovide XY (in plane of surface_so therefore you would have all threedimensions.

3. Carrying the mouse elaboration one step further, a mouse point couldbe movable. That is, the target could be wiggled by the finger holdingthe mouse, to signal a move or other action to the computer. This wouldthen allow you to put inputs to the computer into the device withoutadding any electrical wires or anything.

4. Transducers can also be used as single point inputs, for example ofpressures or temperatures or anything that would make a target move, forexample in the later case the target being on the end of a bimetal stripwhich changes position with temperature.

Application to Multiple Points and Objects

Another application is to register the relative position of one objectto another. For example, today the mouse is basically an odometer. Itcan't really give any positional data relative to something but can onlygive the distance moved in two directions which is then converted fromsome home location onto the screen.

The invention however is absolute, as the camera is as well. It canprovide data on any point to any other point or even to groups ofpoints—on objects, humans, or both.

Even using the simplest form of the invention, one can put a target on ahuman and track it or find it's position in space. Here again, in thebeginning in for example in two dimensions, X and Y only (FIG. 1 a).

For example, with a single point one can make mouse adjunct where movingone's head with a target on it provides an input into the computer whilestill holding the mouse and everything in normal juxtaposition.

One step beyond this is to have more than one point on the human.Clearly a finger relative to another finger or a hand relative toanother hand, either or both to the head and so on.

As has been noted, a method of achieving high contrast and thereforehigh reliability is to utilize an LED source as the target. This ispossible with the invention, but requires wiring on the object, and thusevery object that is to be used has to have a power cable or a battery,or a solar cell or other means to actuate the light—a disadvantage ifwidespread applicability is desired.

The LED in its simplest form can be powered by something that itself ispowered. This means an LED on top of the mouse for example. On the otherhand, typically the LED would be on an object where you would not like apower cable and this would then mean battery operated.

The idea of remote power transmission to the target LED or other selfluminous target however should be noted. It is possible to transmitelectromagnetic radiation (radio, IR, etc) to a device on an object,which in turn would generate power to an LED which then converts that toDC or modulated light capable of detection optically. Or the deviceitself can directly make the conversion.

The basic technical embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1a-e uses a single TV camera for viewing a group of 3 or more targets (orspecial targets able to give up to a 6 degree of freedom solution), or aset of at least two TV cameras for determining 3D location of a numberof targets individually, and in combination to provide objectorientation. These cameras are today adapted to the computer by use ofthe USB port or better still, fire wire (IEEE 1394). The cameras may beemployed to sense natural features of objects as targets, but today forcost and speed reasons, are best used with high contrast targets such asLED sources on the object, or more generally with retro-reflectivetargets. In the latter case lighting as with IR LED's is provided nearthe optical axis of each camera used. For scene illumination, which canbe done best on alternate camera frames form target image acquisition,broad light sources can be used. Laser pointers are also very useful forcreating one or more high contrast indications, simultaneously, or insequence on object surfaces that can be sensed by the stereo cameras(typically two or more).

Using laser (or other triangulation source projection), or thecontacting of an object with a targeted finger or stylus member, anobject can be digitized using the same camera system used for targetrelated inputs. This is an important cost justification of total systemcapability.

Coincidence of action—i.e. sensed gesture using the invention can beused to judge a voice operated signal legitimate in a noisy background.Similarly other inputs can be judged effectively if combined with theposition and movement sensing of the invention.

Invention combined with voice input makes user much more portable—Forexample can walk around room and indicate to the computer both actionand words. The target if a plain piece of glass bead retroreflector,cannot be seen typically beyond angles plus or minus 45 degrees from thenormal of the reflector aligned with the camera viewing axis. (indeedsome material drops out at 30 degrees) When a performer spins around,this condition is easily exceeded, and the data drops out. For thisreason, targets pointing in different directions may be desirable.Rather than using several planar targets with the above characteristics,each pointed in a different direction say rotationally about the head totoe axis of a dancer say, one can use in some cases multi-directionaltargets, typically large balls, beads and faceted objects such asdiamonds.

In some case only 3D locations are needed. The orientation at times is asecondary consideration. In these cases the target 1650 could beattached to gyroscope 1655 that in turn is attached to a base 1660 by aball joint 1665 or other free floating mechanical link. The target couldbe initially tilted directly toward the cameras allowing the cameras toview the target more precisely. The base plate is then attached to theobject to be tracked. The position of the attachment can be calculatedonce the target location and orientation are established. Since thegyroscope would hold the target orientation toward the cameras as thedance turns, this method extends the range of motion allowed by thedancer or other users.

It should be noted that many of the embodiments of the inventiondescribed do not depend on TV cameras, Stereo imaging, special targets,or the like, but rather can be used with any sort of non contact meansby which to determine position of a point, multiple points, or completeposition and orientation of the object, or portion of a human used inthe embodiment. While optical, and particularly TV camera based systemsare preferred for their low cost and wide functionality, ultra sonic andmicrowaves can also be used as transduction means in many instances.

Note that an object may be physically thrown, kicked, slung, shot, orotherwise directed at the image represented on screen (say at an enemiesor some object, or in the case of a baseball game, at a batters strikezone for example), and the thrown object tracked in space by the stereocamera of the invention and/or determined in its trajectory or otherfunction by information relating to the impact on the screen (the latterdescribed in a referenced co-pending application). Damage to the screenis minimized by using front projection onto a wall.

FIG. 22

FIG. 22 illustrates the use of a PSD (position sensitive photodiode)based image sensor as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, a solidstate TV camera. Two versions are shown, A single point device, withretro-reflective illumination, or with a battery powered LED source isdescribed, and a multi-point device with LED sources, can also be used Acombination of this sensor and a TV camera is also described., as is analternative using fiber optic sources. In addition a device using suchan imaging device and a retroreflective background is presented as analternative to specialized high reflectance datums on the human forexample.

To achieve high signal to noise, the PSD detector can utilize modulatedsources, and demodulated PSD outputs as is well known. Detectors of thistype are made for example by Sitek in Sweden and Hamamatsu in Japan.Where individual LED targets on the object are used, they may also beindividually modulated at different frequencies in order to bedistinguished one from the other, and from the background, and/or theymay be rippled in sequence. Similarly fiber optically remoted sourcesmay do this as well.

The camera 2210 is composed of a lens 2215 and a PSD detector 2220,which provides two voltage outputs proportional to the location of animage on its face. When a single bright point such as retroreflectivetarget 2230 is illuminated with a co-axial, or near coaxial light source2235, a spot 2240 is formed on the PSD face, whose xy location voltagesignal 2244 is digitized and entered into the control computer 2250 byknown excitation and A-D converter means. Alternatively an LED or otheractive source can be used in place of the retro and its light source. Ineither case the background light reaching the PSD is much less than thatfrom the target and effectively ignored. (if it is not, errors canresult, as the PSD is dumb, and cant sort out what is a target frombackground-except via filtering at the special wavelength of the LEDusing filter 2247 in front of the detector, or by modulating the led, orLED of the retro light source using modulated power supply 2236—a novelapproach which recognizes that the light from this source does notcontribute so much to background as to retroreflected return. When amodulated source is used, the led output signal 2244 is demodulated atthe same frequency by filter 2245.

Such PSD systems are fast, and can run at speeds such as 10,000 readingsper second, far beyond a TV cameras ability to see a point. This is verydesirable where high speed is needed, or where high background noiserejection is required, such as in bright light (e.g. in a car on a sunnyday). A TV camera and a PSD camera as above can be used in concert,where desired.

A combination of this sensor and a TV camera is now described. As showna PSD chip such as 2260 can be built into a TV camera, 2265 having alens 2270 and a CCD array chip 2271, using a beam splitter 2275 whichallows in this case, both to view the same field of view. This allowsone, for example, to use the retroreflector illumination such as 2235for the PSD detected target, and the TV camera to obtain normal sceneimages, or to determine other target presence and location—for examplethose near the more rapidly and easily detected PSD sensed target (butknowing where it is, via its output signal related to the output scan ofthe TV camera).

An IR (infra-red) led or IR reflecting reflector to be used even withbright room lighting suitable for TV Camera use. The LED or otherretroreflection specific light source can light up the whole object, butother effects such as saturation don't concern the TV image as they canif strong retro signals result with TV cameras.

As noted a feature of such a combination allows the PSD sensor systemfor example to find one target, and use the TV to find the rest madeeasier once the first one is identified, since the others can bespecified apriori to be within a given search area or path from thefirst target.

It is further noted that an inverse type system can be made, where thebackground surface (e.g. on a desk top) appears bright, and the targetis black. This can be done with retroreflector material or even whitepaper on a desk top for example. In this case the target object could beones finger which would cover up the retro and the PSD give a roughoutput as to its x and y position. By using a strip of one axis PSDs,one can find its position more accurately. For example, 8 parallel PSDdetectors 2280 giving x outputs to an 8 channel common PC computer A-Ddata acquisition card 2282 can provide finger 2285 location in x and y(the latter only to a level of 1 part in 8), and pointing angle of thefinger (roll in the xy plane). This is much faster than a TV camera forthis purpose. That is the finger extended to detector 3, and the top endwas at VLEFT while the bottom one on detector 2 was a VRIGHT.

Previous copending applications illustrate a fiber optic alternative inwhich light enters the fibers at one point, and is dispersed to a singlefiber or a group traveling to the fiber end, which acts then as atarget, and can be provided on an object (even during molding or castingthereof). This can be less obtrusive than individual LED's for example.

These applications have also identified a co-target, which is a targetput on an object for the purpose of telling a computer based cameraobtaining its image, where to look for other targets in the image. Thiscan be useful, as can a special target which is placed on the object insuch a way as to indicate the objects orientation and to identify theobject itself if desired, just by looking at the target (which is knownrelative to the data base of the object.). See also U.S. Pat. No.5,767,525.

Both of these special target types are useful with the invention heredisclosed.

FIG. 23

FIG. 23 illustrates inputs to instrumentation and control systems, forexample those typically encountered in car dashboards to provide addedfunctionality and to provide aids to drivers, including the handicapped.

Illustrated is an embodiment providing input to automotive controlsystems such as usually associated with car dashboard instrumentation toprovide added functionality and to provide aids to drivers, includingthe handicapped. In this case the car is real, as opposed to the toyillustration of FIG. 4 in which the dash is a toy, or even amake-believe dash, and the car is simulated in its actions via computerimagery and sounds.

As shown, driver 2301 holds gear shift lever 2302, in the usual manner.Target datum's 2305-2308 are on his thumb and fingers, (or alternativelyon a ring, or other jewelry, for example) or his wrist, and are viewedby miniature TV camera stereo pair 2320 and 2321 in the dash nearby thearea of the gear lever. Light sources as appropriate are provided withthe cameras, particularly of use are IR LED's 2323 and 2326 near eachcamera respectively.

Computer 2340 reads the output of each TV camera, and computes theposition and relative position of the targets either respect to thecamera pair, or each other, or to gear lever 2302 (which itself may betargeted if desired, for example with target 2310), or to some otherreference. Or the computer may simply look for motion of any object(e.g. a finger) or target on an object (e.g. a ring) above some baselevel of allowable motion, in the event that the user wished to signalan action just by moving his finger say (irregardless of its position,or with the condition that it be within a certain window of positionssay, such as between 1 and 3 O clock on the steering wheel.). Movementcan be detected by comparing successive frames, or by blurred images forexample.

The driver may with this embodiment, signal a large number of differentactions to the computer, just by moving his fingers while holding thegear lever, or as is even more relaxing, letting his hand rest on thegear lever, with fingers pointing down as shown which points datums onthe tops of his fingers toward the dash or roof section above thewindshield where cameras such as 2345 and 2346 can be located relativelyeasily (see also armrests in FIG. 10). It is noted too that the steeringwheel 2360, rather than or in addition to the gear lever could also beused as point of observation of the driver (these two locations arewhere drivers normally rest their hands, but other places such as neararmrests etc. could be chosen too). In this instance an advantageousalternate camera location is in the headliner, not shown, which allowsviewing of the fingers or targets thereon from above.

Indeed the steering wheel is a natural place, where at the 10 and 2O'clock positions 2361 and 2362 in normal driving, one can wiggle onesthumb, or make a pinching gesture with thumb and first finger, whichcould be programmed to actuate any function allowed by cars controlmicrocomputer 2350 connected to the TV camera processor 2340 (the twocould be one in the same, and both likely located underdash). Theprogram could be changed by the user if desired, such that a differentmotion or position gave a different control function.

Actions chosen using finger position, or relative position, or fingermotion or path, could be control of heating, lighting, radio, andaccessories, or for handicapped and others could even be majorfunctions, such as throttle, brake, etc.

The data needed is analyzed, and fed by the computer to actuate theappropriate control functions of the vehicle, such as increasing fanspeed, changing stations and the like.

Clearly things other than fingers could be observed by a suitable camerasystem of the invention. These include extremities of the body, elbows,arms, and the head. Items actuated by the driver can also be observedmuch like the car game or toy example of FIG. 4 above. Very low cost andinterchangeable actuator control panels could thus be sold to suit thedriver whoever it was. This leads to a portion of the instrument panelbeing able to be individually tailored, without any change in mechanismused to acquire the data. Some people could use buttons, others sliders,and the like, to control for example, the same heating functions.

It is noted that items on the fingers or wrists can also be used astargets, such as rings, bracelets etc.

It is also noted that in cars with column mounted shifters, that asingle camera or set of cameras overhead or even in the top of the dashcan see the drivers fingers and hands on the steering wheel and theshifter, as well as on any signal stalks on the steering column.

FIG. 24

FIG. 24 illustrates a control system for use with “do it yourself”target application. LED light sources can be used advantageously astargets with the invention—especially where very high contrast isneeded, especially achievable with modulated LED sources, anddemodulated PSD based detectors.

However, an advantage of reflective targets, and retro-reflectivetargets in particular, as opposed to LED targets, is that you can easilyput them on an object at very little cost, without requiring the objectto have batteries, wires or the like. This means that objects notdesigned for the purpose, such as a young girls favorite doll can beeasily equipped with small unobtrusive colored and/or retro-reflectivetargets (if suitable natural target features aren't available, as oftenthe case) and this favorite toy becomes the input device to a game ofdoll house or the like on the screen, with suitable software support thechild can have her doll playing in the White House on the screen! Andaudio can suit as well, for example the first lady could talk back!

To recapitulate, if you don't acquire the object with specializedtargets in/on it, then you need to apply them to it, if you require thebenefit of the increased brightness or contrast they can offer. Whilefuture computer advancements may make such artifices unnecessary, todaymany of the desirable applications disclosed herein depend on same, ifresponse speed, reliability and low cost are paramount. Retroreflectivematerial such as SCOTCHLIGHT 7615 is naturally gray appearing and unlessbrightly colored for ease of further identification, is quiteunobtrusive to the user. Indeed it can be colored the color of theportion of the object on which it is provided to make it even more so.(except of course along the path from the light source illuminatingsame—not seen by the average user except in rare situations).

Different targets of all sizes can be used, but if the user is to placethem, he needs to teach which ones you put where—unless you only putthem in specified places which could be pre-entered in a computerprogram, like green targets on hands, square ones on feet, and so forth.

Data Base Teach-In

The datums on an object can be known apriori relative to other points onthe object, and to other datums, by selling the object designed usingsuch knowledge (or measured after the fact to obtain it) and includingwith it a CD ROM disc or other computer interfacable storage mediumhaving this data. Alternatively, the user for example, can teach thecomputer system this information. This is particularly useful when thedatums are applied by the user on arbitrary objects.

One can create a simple model of the object by simply using the cameraof the invention to acquire a 2D outline of the object on which thetarget datums can be noted automatically or manually. A more involved 3Ddigitized model can also be created with the invention, and the datumsassociated with it.

One can hold the object desired up to the TV camera, and use thecomputer with a special program to try to find good datums anywhere touse given the natural features (e.g. a bright spot such as a coatbutton). If one is found, the object can be moved and the degree offunction at different ranges and angles determined If satisfactory alsophotogrammetrically for the calculations of locations and orientationsdesired, this natural datum can be used, and another found. Ifartificial ones are required, for example nothing else can be reliablyfound on the object itself, this requirement can be indicated by theprogram. Or an alternative activity able to use the less capable datumscould be suggested to the user. (e.g. less angular variation, lessmotion, closer to camera, cover up a distracting portion (e.g. a beltbuckle having glints), etc.

Again you would teach the unit what happens in the normal course ofoperation. If for example, a target was obscured, a prompt command canbe provided to the use to say move target to new location or suggestthat an additional redundant target be placed on the object.

In the airplane game of FIGS. 5 a-c, let us say that the user wants toconstruct his own object, and just puts 3 retroreflective targets (or atriangular or other shaped target also allowing 4-6 degree of freedomsolution) on a plane model he purchases at a store. Then having thesoftware which provides a real airplane video and sounds, he enters ateach mode in the program which steps him through (or automatically setshim up) for the issues here discussed.

One can input setup information to the computer, for example filling outa table where would be hands, feet, etc. And you can put the object withthe target in front of the camera, in a normal position and the thingwould be taught if one points it out on the screen, or by other means.

Standard Activity Frameworks

It is considered a very useful characteristic of the invention thatstandard frameworks for activity can be provided by a vendor on softwarediscs or over the internet, which allow the user to easily construct hisown activity.

This includes for example:

instructions on how to attach datums usually provided with the software;and

Instructions on where to place datums, or select natural datums capableof use including tests, by showing the object with natural datum to acamera used for the invention, and the computer running a test programto determine if the TV image obtained is sufficient for use in somedesired mode (realizing it might be sufficient for a less movement orless high speed activity, but not for full motion in a variety ofpositions over a large depth of field).

The framework can include software for specialized datum detectionincluded with the game kit for example.

The framework can have software to tailor game or other activitysoftware to the taught in positions and movements of the game player(human, doll, or whatever).

A diagnostic and optimization program could look at a few examples ofuse during a warm-up period or even once a game, for example, got going,and then optimize various parameters to suit, such as:

algorithms for target detection, even varied to suit different portionsof the game.

photogrammetric equations, and their optimization for object positionand orientation, even varied to suit different portions of the game.

lighting related parameters such as LED power, LED pulse time if used,camera integration time, etc, also even varied to suit differentportions of the game, and of course to suit the room, distances from thecamera and so on. A warning of slow response, for example, could begiven if working parameters were not met, so the user could change acondition if he wished.

as noted above, could suggest final changes to target placement or typefor better performance. This could include use of a larger size targetin a given location to improve definition, the use of a distinctiveshape or color target to improve identification, the use of aretroreflector rather than a plain target (and the associated need forauxiliary lighting along the retroreflector axis), the need for a strongLED target (not preferred for most activity), and so forth.

In addition, the standard program framework could assist the user inconstruction of the activity itself. For example, the airplane game ofFIGS. 5 a-c could have a library of various display and aural optionswhich the user could select to tailor his game as desired. Indeed suchprogram elements could cross from one game type to another (e.g. the cardash of FIG. 4 if it were an airplane dash could use the airplane actiondisplay imagery employed in the game of FIGS. 5 a-c). In addition, someelements might cross over to non game activity as well. A flow chartillustrating some of the above steps is shown in FIG. 24. Steps are asfollows:

A. Load Test and diagnostic software into computer and put objectdesired in front of TV camera system at typical distance.

B. Determine which if any feature of object is usable as a target datumor if image of a bulk portion of the object (such as head) can be used.

C. If added targets are needed per software instruction, affix targetsper instruction at recommended locations for the object and game orother activity.

D. Test these targets using TV camera system, determine if must bereplaced or moved or added targets put on.

E. If targets needed to be changed do so and retest.

F. Run game with first settings determined.

G. Test target s in computer model of game, determine if need changes.

H. If so make recommended changes and retest. Changes can be tolighting, target type, target location, camera parameters,photogrammetric equations, background, etc.

I. Test by moving object in to different positions, orientations andvelocities recommended by the game program.

J. If changes suggested, make and retest (optional—one might acquiesceto poorer performance just to get started).

K. Play game one or more times.

L. IF desired, record key parameters (target brightness, velocities,ranges in position and orientation, backgrounds etc) for furtheranalysis.

M. When game finished analyze further and determine changes if any. Fora pre-made object, idealized for the game, most of the initial steps areunnecessary as long as recommended game settings, light, camera andother parameters are adhered to and surroundings are satisfactory. Nonethe less the test program can be used to optimize these as well.

FIG. 25

FIG. 25 illustrates a game experience with an object represented on adeformable screen. As has also been discussed, one can physicallyinteract with the object screen. For example, if one actually touchesthe screen, one can deform the screen and measure its deformation. Thiswas described in copending application Ser. No. 08/496,908 incorporatedby reference, including physically measuring the indication ofdeformation of the backside of the screen.

But it can also be done by using target grids on the screen which mayonly be viewable by infrared means, but where the actual screen itselfis physically measured from the front side or the backside, as wasdescribed in the previous application.

A boxing dummy such as 2515 represented as an image on the screen, thatone actually hits and deforms is possible using the invention if oneconsiders the screen to be the deformable object. In this case perhapsit is not necessary to actually encode the deformation in the screen2520 but assume a deformation since one knows where one hit it, bydetermining a target or other feature position such as 2525 on thehitting object such as boxing glove 2530, observed by camera system 2535whose images are processed by computer 2540 to obtain glove position.Display processor 2545 uses this glove position data, to modify acomputer modeled 3-D data base of an opponent stored in a data base2550, and drive display 2560, for example providing said display on alarge rear projection TV screen 2565.

For example, consider where the screen itself is a deformable membrane.In the copending Ser. No. 08/496,908 invention, the screen deformationupon physical contact was measured and used as an input to the game. Inthis case however, I have illustrated an alternative situation where onedetermines from position of the object making contact where the hitoccurred and if desired, the motion involved in the hit (i.e. itsvelocity and or trajectory obtained by tracking the targeted glove justbefore it hit it (which leads to its force and direction of contactusing the targeted extremities of the player, in this case playing atboxing (or karate, for example in an another embodiment where feet andhands would be so determined and tracked, for example—elbows too ifdesired).

In this case, one simply calculates an estimated effect upon the dummy,which in this case is actually fought by the user in terms of theresistance of the screen. It isn't totally lifelike but it is at least aphysical response and, if desired, the image of the dummy goes down orrecoils or doubles up in pain or whatever (note in this case theprojection should desirably be on a flat or slightly curved screen, nota highly curved one which would not have the right shape in more thanone position). None of this is very pretty but it sells games!

The actual actions can be modeled in a computer program capable ofproviding a 3D rendered display for near life like representation of theresult of an action. This would apply to sword fights, soccer games, andother activity described in this and related applications. For exampleusing a targeted sword, rather than a boxing glove, one can physicallyslash a real life-size opponent represented by an image on a screen and,since one knows where the slash occurs on the projection TV image byvirtue of the target point determination of the sword tip using thecamera system of the invention, blood representation can emerge from thescreen image, or a simulated head falling off or whatever.

Throwing things need not be bloody. As has been mentioned above and inthe applications incorporated by reference, all kinds of sportspossibilities exist, such as:

Hitting sports, baseball, cricket, boxing, and

Throwing and firing sports such as baseball, shooting, archery, etc.Football (American), football (soccer), hockey, field hockey, lacrosse,etc. played with goalies in the goal.

Games are also possible such as throwing paper airplanes, where one caneasily affix to ones plane, light weight scotch-lite retro-reflectortargets so as to be able to track its motion using the cameras of theinvention in 3 dimensions, using the computer system of the inventionfor the purpose of scoring the game, or to drive a screen display, or tocreate sounds, or what have you. Again, imagery from the FIGS. 5 a-cairplane game could be employed here as well if desired.

The video gaming experience of the invention goes well beyond thatobtainable with today's video games using keyboards, buttons, joysticks,and mice. Perhaps the most dramatic issue is that of the human scalethat is possible where the player can indeed interact with a life size,if desired, image on the screen at an affordable price than to thetelevision, particularly the high definition TV. Such displays can alsobe in three dimensions, as is well known using switchable LCD glassesand other well-known stereo techniques.

The use of such glasses with a touch screen having other novel featuresitself is shown in a copending invention by Tim Pryor entitled“Man-Machine interfaces” Ser. No. 08/496,908 incorporated by referenceherein. Such stereo TV effects if they don't provide a burden on thevision or functioning of the player can provide a very realisticexperience. This experience can be used with or without the 3D stereoeffects but with the large size screen for a variety of purposes,including gaming and teaching.

One aspect of the invention shown above illustrates a gaming situationwith respect to a sword fight. This made totally realistic, but withouta great deal of cost, using a high intensity projection TV which isbecoming ever cheaper as of this writing. One can interact with thescreen or other surfaces onto which it is projected, either in a playfashion, that is by not touching the screen, or in a real fashion byactually touching the screen. In this latter case, the screen may beeither rigid, semi-deformable, deformable, or in fact ablated orpermanently changed by the action of the game. All of these things arepossible by using the targeted objects and the implements such asdescribed to pick up the point at which is the accurate measure of thecontact.

For total realism it may be necessary to realize some sort of a forcepickup connected with the sword to create a force type experience, butthis raises cost. The considerable goal of this invention is to provideall of these new and novel functions at an affordable price by utilizingeasily detectable stereo camera sensed datum's on objects and low costcameras which can be shared, so to speak, with other applications suchas Internet telephony and the like. Again, if this is a goal, thenretroreflectors make the best datums today, unless the operation is in acontrolled region where background discrimination and speed are less ofan issue. LEDs are good too, but are cumbersome and obtrusive in manysituations, and too heavy or exerting too high a moment in others (e.g.a paper airplane).

As was pointed out in the aforementioned copending applications, it ispossible to change the viewpoint of the image projected or displayedwith respect to the head of the player, but also with respect to any ofextremities, which themselves might be targeted, or with respect to animplement such as a sword or another object carried by the player.

FIG. 26

A simple way to determine the existence of motion, and to calculatemotion vectors with low cost TV cameras is to use the blur of a distincttarget during the integration time of the camera. For example, in the TVCamera image 2601 there is a distinct datum 2605. This is indicative ofa LED or retro disc source on an object, for example, with backgroundignored (by setting an illumination or color threshold for example).

Now consider what happens if the object moves during the period of thecamera integration (exposure) time, a variable which is often controlledin the camera as a function of light received but could also becontrolled to aid the invention here.

If the movement is in the x direction, the datum image looks like 2610assuming the datum moved in the image field as far as indicated duringthe time the camera chip integrated light on its face. If the movementwas in x and y equally, then the image would be like 2615. Note thatintensity of points in the image is less than static for the sameintegration time, as the resultant light from the datum is spread overmore pixels.

For a simple xy situation, the elongation x′ and y′ of the image in xand y can be used to give a motion vector, since x′ divided byintegration time gives the x velocity.

For 3 D motion, this is somewhat more complicated, as the object canmove in z as well. And if rotation occurs over long integration times,the elongation will be arc shaped rather than simple straight line caseshown. These effects can generally be calculated out by observation ofthe image (or images if stereo pair of cameras) and by calculation ofthe 3 D orientation of the object.

It is noted that some blurring of target datums can be useful forsubpixel resolution enhancement. This can be motion blur, or blur due toa somewhat out of focus condition (effectively making a small luminoustarget in a large field of view look like a bigger, but less intense,blob covering more pixels). Such a purposeful defocus could even be donewith a piezo electric actuation of the camera lens or array chipposition, to allow in-focus conditions when not actuated.

Or in the simple case of a bandpass filter such as 25 snapped over thelens 24 in FIG. 1 b, this filter could purposely be optically shaped toslightly defocus the system when used for target as opposed to sceneviewing.

Calibration

Note that in FIGS. 15 a-b, the sword tip position versus the screenimage can alternatively be calculated from a knowledge of the part database of the sword and 3 points to determine its position and orientationin space, plus a knowledge of where the projected image on the screenlies. This may require calibration in the beginning to for exampleproject using the TV display, the computerized projection of a targetpoint on the display screen, which can be viewed by the TV camera(s) ofthe invention, and used to set reference marks in space.

The use of screen generated targets allows one to nicely set up the TVcameras used to image objects in relation to points on the screen.(which the objects might try to interact with on a display of somethingat that physical point). To do this requires that the TV cameras befixed from the time of set up to use—as is typically the case. Morestringent, is that the camera has to be in a position to view thescreen. Where this is difficult, for example when the camera faceoutward from the screen, a minor can be used for example. The minor inthis case can have fixed marks just like an object, which allow itsorientation to be determined by the camera computer system, and thus anyerror in its pointing angle adjusted.

Screen generated targets can also be used to calibrate the field of viewof the camera to take out lens errors and the like, and to adjustrelationships between two cameras of a stereo pair (or even more sets ofcameras).

For example if two cameras are arbitrarily pointed in the direction ofthe screen, a spot can be projected on the screen which will register ineach camera image. Since the spot position is known in x and y due toprojection, and one can measure z with a ruler, the system can calculatethe pointing direction of the cameras as a result.

Orientation Codes

Inventions by one of the inventors and his colleagues describe a usefulmachine readable code for use on objects which can give orientation ofthe object from the point sensed—and provide an identification of theobject as well. One could even call up a server over the internet, anddown load a data description of object. and relation of that object tosoftware provided.

It is noted that special targets useful in the invention may be designedof diffractive or holographic based material so as to provide, forexample, directional and/or color based responses to light input. Thiscan be used to recognize or identify targets, and for causing desirablelight distribution on reflection which aid the detection process by asuitable camera.

FIG. 27

Here discussed are convenient high brightness (and contrast)retroreflective target items such as retro-reflective jewelry and makeupaccording to the invention, which can greatly aid the use of theinvention by persons. For example, a wristwatch can contain highspecific reflectivity retro-reflective glass bead or corner cubematerial in its face or hand that can be sensed by the camera or camerasof the invention in order to easily find the wrist and hand in a fieldof view. Similarly rings on the fingers containing such material cangreatly aid the ability of the camera system to see the fingers and toget close enough such that relatively simple image processing can findthe fingertips from the ring, or with more difficulty, from the wristwatch. Similarly, belt buckles, bracelets, pins, necktie clips and thelike can all serve this purpose in a decorative and aestheticallypleasing manner.

Even makeup can be produced whose chemical formulation incorporatesretro-reflective beads (typically 0.002-0.003 inch in diameter on anindividual basis), such as nail polish, lip stick, eye shadow, and thelike which all serve some purpose for computer interaction in varioussoftware scenarios (especially the fingertips). Specialized makeup forother parts of the body can be created, e.g. for the wrist, toes or whathave you.

Consider ring 2801 having band 2802 and a “jewel” comprised of a cornercube retro-reflector 2803, capable of very high contrast return signalsto near on axis illumination. Or consider that the jewel could be adiamond (real or synthetic) cut to reflect light incident from manyangles in somewhat similar manner. Or consider ring 2815 having 5 cornercubes, 2826-2830, each pointing in different directions, to allowoperation from a variety of finger positions.

Consider too, ring band 2840 comprised of a base ring, 2845 withretro-reflective bead tape material 2850 attached, and covered with aprotective plastic overlay 2855. (thicknesses exaggerated for clarity).The overlay could be either totally transparent, or alternatively ofband pass material, that would only allow reflection back of a specificwavelength band, (e.g. matching an LED illumination wavelength). Or theuser might chose to wear multiple rings each of a different color, whichcould be color identified. Or multiple users, each with a differentcolor, say.

Note that A special flat tape type retroreflector can be provided havinga microprism grating or grille or a diffraction grating or grille on itsface which directionally alters the incoming and outgoing radiation soas to be able to bee seen from more nominal angles than normal materialsuch as SCOTCHLIGHT 7615 of 3M company.

Additional Information Re FIGS. 1 a-e Embodiment

The retroreflection illumination light source is substantially coaxialwith the optical axis of said TV camera when retro used The LED as thepreferred source to illuminate reflective targets.

If an LED is used, it has the advantage of low power requirement,self-luminous and of a known wavelength. This means that the camera canbe filtered for this wavelength quite easily, although, if it is, itwon't see other wavelengths very well by definition.

LED light sources for target illumination are preferable because of theprogrammability i.e. ease of turning on/off, or modulating on a givenfrequency or pulse duration and they are low cost and low energyconsumption. Operating in the Infrared, they do not bother the user ornon-visible wavelengths.

FIG. 1 a has illustrated a simplified version of the invention usingeven one retro-reflective item such as a ring, a thimble with a targeton it, a snap on finger target, a color or retroreflective painted nailor other feature on the person. The camera used for this is either aspecial camera dedicated to the task or shared with a video-imagingcamera.

In order to operate the invention, the LED light source (which in oneembodiment is comprised of a ring of LEDs such as 26 around the cameraLens 24, pointing outward at the subjects to be viewed) is turned on,and in one case, a bandpass filter (passing the LED wavelength) such as25 is placed over the lens of the camera that might be normally usedsimply for acquiring images for Internet telephony or what have you.This filter can be screwed, slid on or snapped on or any other way thatallows it to be easily removed when non-filtered viewing is desired.

To make the measurement, the LED's surrounding, in this case in a ringarrangement, surrounding the lens, that is easily attached to the cameraby suitable attachments either permanent or in some cases temporary.This is due to the wide variety of nature of cameras today orquasi-permanent via highly sticky adhesive.

It's also an alternative to have the lights not surrounding the lensaxis but off to one side but as close as possible for bestretro-reflective performance.

The LED's are energized in the particular embodiment here and the LED'sare near infrared operating at a wavelength 0.85 micron. They providethe illumination needed without being distracting to the user. VisibleLED's are usable too if they do not distract the user. A filter on thefront of the camera removes largely the effect of light outside of thewavelength of the illumination. It is also possible to detection datumson the object without the additional use of auxiliary illumination andthe optional wavelength based filtering process described above. This isfurther possible to do this with white light illumination that can beused to illuminate the object as well as the datums in cases of lowlight and so on. In this case, it is the desire to have the datumsdistinguished as possible and particularly useful inventors have foundcolor and shape for this purpose, typically a combination of the two.For example a triangular shaped target can be used whose solution issomewhat different from that above. In this case it's not multiplepoints as in targets that are used to solve an equation but rather thelines of the edges of the target.

A question to answer, is it required for the camera system to be usedfor both image production of the object and for viewing certain types ofspecial targets, or can it be just devoted to the special targetpurpose? In the latter case, the lighting is easier because there isonly one issue to contend with; seeing the light reflected from thespecial target, which typically has high brightness, and/or highcontrast or color contrast to its surroundings. This can be done atspecialized wave lengths, particularly of interest in the very nearinfrared (e.g. 75 to 0.9 microns wavelength) where strong LED's sourcesexist, which is visible to the cameras in general use, but which is notbothersome or unobtrusive to the user.

If the camera is also to be used for general imaging, but notsimultaneous with special target detection, a special band pass filtertransmissive to the LED, laser or other sufficiently monochromatic lightsource wavelength can be used to cover the camera lens. The filter isconveniently provided with a chain, or preferably a sliding function, toslide in front of the lens when this function is needed. This functioncan be automated with, for example, a solenoid at added cost, to providequick switching. Electronically switchable filters can also be usedwhere faster switching is required.

Where the function is needed concurrently with imaging, more difficultyremains, as the TV camera image contains both target and sceneinformation. Bright retroreflector indications will show bright in theTV scene image as well. One solution is to take two TV images, the firstwith retro illumination on, and the second with it off. If the framerate is double the usual display frame rate, no change in response isdetected. The integration times of the two frames is likely to bedifferent, being adjusted once for the retro return case, and next forthe scene illumination at that instant. To do this quickly in one framemay require special exposure control or retro LED illumination controlprocedures.

This is also the case when stereo cameras are utilized. The exposure forone, may not be the same as for the other, given different tilt anglesof the object.

For two camera stereo imaging, one camera too can be a master, used forconventional images, with the other a slave used only for determiningobject location. It is noted that if the stereo pair are spaced roughlylike the eyes (e.g. 6-8 inches apart) and pointing straight ahead ornearly so, that the image created can be used to drive a stereodisplay—this could be of considerable interest at the other end of aninternet connection for example, where the other person could view theperson being imaged in 3D using “Crystal eyes” or other brands of LCDglasses and appropriate Video displays.

The invention can use special datum's such as round or point sourceLED's, retro-reflective, or other contrasting material comprising spotsor beading defining lines or edges, or it can use natural objectfeatures, such as fingertips hands, head, feet, or eyes. Often ajudicious combination of natural and object features can be chosen tominimize special features and their application, but to make use oftheir ease of discovery at high speed in a large field of view. Forexample, if one finds a high contrast, perhaps specially coloredartificial feature, one can reduce the search window in the field ofview often to that immediate area around the feature for example, whereother related natural (or artificial) features are likely to lie.

Note that in a time sense, one often may be dealing with limited datadue to momentary obscuration of some datum's, or the whole object. Inthis case an anticipated further movement of the object to some futureposition may be calculated so as to create a small as possible searchwindow for the missing datum's in the future.

Note by combining LEDs of different colors, one can create light whichallow illumination of several colors of individual targets, or evencreate effective white light illumination. Note that in this case the TVcamera could employ a bandpass filter passing each of 3 led wavelengthsthrough, but that's all. This would discriminate against other whitelight sources, but still allow colored targets to be seen.

Note that other solid state sources than LEDs are also desirable, suchas Diode lasers (including diode pumped lasers), superluminous devicesand others.

Note that when flat targets become warped, for example when attached toskin or to clothing, their size as viewed changes, so in many cases sizeby itself is not a good indicator. The same holds true because ofdifferent views and their effect on apparent size. Shape of targets toocan change, for example a circular target viewed at an angle is anellipse. All of these issues need to be accounted for in determiningtarget location and identification.

When two stereo pair images are used, the angle between them, and theobject, means that each camera may see a somewhat different target shapeas well. And its brightness can be different, as pointed out above. Itis desirable to optimally detect each target datum in each separatestereo image first, before attempting to match images to determine wherethe datums coincide, which gives the z axis range.

When many datums are present a match sometimes is difficult. A human canaid the match by identifying target in both camera images during someset up stage.

Other data desired by the system would be if possible an input to tellthe user how many users are present (if more than one is comprehended).And is there one hand or two?

This brings up another point and that is how to tell the system thatsome exception is present or some situation where you would either callup an exception routine or ignore the data and retry.

Exceptions can be:

Obscured or partially obscured datums. A datum image can be comparedwith a pre-stored criteria, or previously observed results andindications to the operator or automatic signaling of alternate datumprograms be made if conditions warrant.

Confused datums, one behind the other, one hand visible instead of two,one person visible instead of two.

Datum indistinct or suspicious. One can go through a routine to checkdifferent aspects of shape if required.

Data taking too long to determine existence or position. Possible, lookat redundant datum?

Wrong targets are present. The object is not what it was told it wassupposed to be? A pre-check either manually, or assisted by the TVcamera computer system of the invention, of the targets on an object tomake sure that they match what the database is supposed to be, to assureboth the object is the right one, and/or the targets are correct isdesirable.

A given range of motions of a object or person is not in the range ofmotions that has been programmed. In this case a warning to slow downcan be given, or suggestions made to speed up the system, such asincrease light intensity, target brightness, etc. A motion first checkcould be done for example by waving ones arms in a certain way thatwould cause the computer to either register a particular user or themotion captured algorithm to be used or a speed parameter or anything todo with the camera and a light gathering. Ideally a first user should gothrough a simple training or at least a setup routine where they didcertain actions and movements and other things in the range that theyexpect to use and let the camera system set up to that where possible.

Down load of sensor information from storage media or remote sources viathe internet and the like.

It is possible to download from an Internet website direct to thecomputer using known connection technology. Although what is interestinghere is to further discuss two other alternatives and that isdownloading from the website optically based cues for the function ofthe target based sensors of this system. In other words, allowing themto change their operational characteristics and not just thecharacteristics of the activity involving the data obtained using them.In addition, and software agent from a computer at one end of a link canbe sent out and determine characteristics and optimize/make systems atother end work with the first one (and not just for this inventions).This could also be of use for control of video cameras generally.

“‘Light’ as used herein, can be electro-magnetic waves at x-ray throughinfra-red wavelengths.

SPECIALIZED DEFINITIONS USED IN THE APPLICATION

Target Volume. A “target Volume” is the volume of space (usually arectangular solid volume) visible to a video camera or a set of videocameras within which a target will be acquired and its position and/ororientation computed. Interrupt member. An “Interrupt member” is adevice that senses a signal to the systems computer allowing a computerprogram to identify the beginning of one path of a target and the end ofthe preceding path. It can also identify a function, object, orparameter value. Examples of an Interrupt member are:

1. A given key on the system's keyboard.

2. A voice recognition system capable of acting on a sound or spokenword.

3. A button attached to a game port, serial port, parallel port, specialinput card, or other input port.

4. A trigger, switch, dial, etc. that can turn on a light ormechanically make visible a new target or sub-target with uniqueproperties of color, shape, and size.

Quant. A “Quant” is a unique discretized or quantized target path(defined by location, orientation, and time information) together withthe target's unique identification number (ID). A Quant has anassociated ID (identification number). A Quant is composed of a sequenceof simple path segments. An example of a Quant that could be used todefine command in a CAD drawing system to create a rectangle might be atarget sweep to the right punctuated with a short stationary pausefollowed by an up sweep and pause, a left sweep and pause, a down sweepand pause, and finally ended with a key press on the keyboard. In thisexample the Quant is stored as a set (4, 1, 2, 3, 4, a, 27) where 4 isthe number of path segments, 1-4 are number that identify path segmentdirections (i.e. right, up, left, down), “a” is the member interrupt(the key press a), and 27 is the target ID. Note that the punctuationthat identifies a new path direction could have been a radical change inpath direction or target orientation or speed.

Light as used herein includes all electro-magnetic wavelengths fromultraviolet to near infrared.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A control interface for a vehiclecomprising: an electro-optical sensor including a sensor field of viewwithin a vehicle interior, the electro-optical sensor including anoutput; and a processing unit operatively coupled to the sensor outputand adapted to detect a hand or finger gesture performed by a user inthe sensor field of view, the processing unit being further adapted tocorrelate the detected gesture with a vehicle control function, whereinthe vehicle control function is controlled by the gesture performed inthe vehicle interior.
 2. The control interface of claim 1 wherein thesensor field of view encompasses at least a portion of a steering wheel.3. The control interface of claim 1 wherein the sensor field of viewencompasses at least a portion of a shifter.
 4. The control interface ofclaim 1 wherein the vehicle control function includes at least one ofheating control, lighting control, radio control, and windshield wipercontrol.
 5. The control interface of claim 1 wherein the detectedgesture includes a pinching gesture.
 6. The control interface of claim 1wherein the detected gesture includes a finger motion.
 7. A computerimplemented method comprising: providing an electro-optical sensorincluding a sensor field of view encompassing a portion of a vehicleinterior; detecting, using the electro-optical sensor, a hand or fingergesture performed by an occupant of the vehicle interior; andcorrelating the detected gesture with a vehicle control function,wherein the vehicle control function is controlled by the gestureperformed in the vehicle interior.
 8. The method according to claim 7wherein detecting the gesture includes comparing successive outputs ofthe electro-optical sensor.
 9. The method according to claim 7 whereinthe vehicle control function includes at least one of heating control,lighting control, radio control, and windshield wiper control.
 10. Themethod according to claim 7 further including outputting the vehiclecontrol function to a vehicle computer.
 11. The method according toclaim 7 wherein the sensor field of view encompasses at least a portionof a steering wheel or a shifter.
 12. The method according to claim 7wherein the detected gesture includes at least one of a pinching gestureand a finger motion.
 13. A gesture-based control interface for a vehicleoccupant, the control interface comprising: a camera having a field ofview encompassing at least a portion of the vehicle occupant, the camerahaving an output; a camera processing unit operatively coupled to thecamera output and adapted to detect a hand or finger gesture performedby the vehicle occupant in the camera field of view; and a vehiclecontroller operatively coupled to the camera processing unit, whereinthe vehicle controller is adapted to control a vehicle function inresponse to the gesture being detected by the camera processing unit.14. The control interface of claim 13 wherein the camera processing unitis further adapted to correlate the detected gesture with a vehiclefunction.
 15. The control interface of claim 13 wherein the detectedgesture includes a finger motion.
 16. The control interface of claim 13wherein the detected gesture is a pinching motion.
 17. The controlinterface of claim 13 wherein the camera processing unit is adapted tocompare successive outputs of the camera to detect the gesture.
 18. Thecontrol interface of claim 13 wherein the vehicle function includes atleast one of heating control, lighting control, radio control, andwindshield wiper control.
 19. The control interface of claim 13 furtherincluding a light source for illuminating at least a portion of thecamera field of view.
 20. The control interface of claim 13 wherein thecamera is a first camera and further including a second camera, thefirst and second cameras being a stereo camera pair.